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Biomédica

Print version ISSN 0120-4157

Abstract

ALVAREZ-CASTANO, Luz Stella et al. Full-term low birth weight and its relationship with the socioeconomic conditions of municipalities in Antioquia: Spatio-temporal analysis. Biomédica [online]. 2018, vol.38, n.3, pp.345-354. ISSN 0120-4157.  https://doi.org/10.7705/biomedica.v38i3.3734.

Introduction:

Low birth weight is one of the main health predictors for childhood and adulthood. It is highly prevalent in developing countries and in children from poorer social classes.

Objective:

To analyze the geographical distribution and the trends of full-term low birth weight in the 125 municipalities of the department of Antioquia and their association with the socioeconomic conditions of the municipalities between 2000 and 2014.

Materials and methods:

We conducted a longitudinal ecological study. The dependent variable was the prevalence of full-term low birth weight in 125 municipalities. The socioeconomic conditions of the municipalities were evaluated using the Human Development Index and the unsatisfied basic needs index.

Results:

Between 2000 and 2014, the prevalence of full-term low birth weight in Antioquia was 2.7 per 100 live births; this prevalence decreased steadily over time. This trend was also observed between regions, with the exception of the Occidente and Urabá regions, which showed increases of approximately 20.0%. The results also showed a reduction in geographical differences between the 125 municipalities, with the coefficient of variation decreasing from 20.6% to 13.72% over the 14-year period. Finally, we found a positive social gradient between the full-term low birth weight prevalence and the level of development in the municipalities.

Conclusion:

Full-term low birth weight prevalence decreased between 2000 and 2014, with some regions showing greater reductions than others. Paradoxically, less developed and poorer areas had a lower prevalence, which may be a result of underreporting of birth weight information in these municipalities.

Keywords : Health inequalities; spatial analysis; geographical mapping; social determinants of health.

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