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Monday, April 19, 2004 Study: Birth outcomes in British Columbia1981 to 2000Babies born to parents living in wealthy neighbourhoods in British Columbia had higher birth weights and lower rates of mortality than those born to parents living in lower income neighbourhoods, according to a new study. This study, published by the British Columbia Vital Statistics Agency, is a descriptive profile of birth outcomes in British Columbia between 1981 and 2000 by neighbourhood income quintiles and other socio-demographic indicators. The study found that from 37 to 42 weeks of gestation, median birth weights in British Columbia were clearly graded by neighbourhood income. The highest birth weights were in the richest income groups, and the lowest weights in the poorest. Overall, differences in birth weights were relatively small, but consistent, across diverse demographic, socio-economic, cultural, geographic and ethnic groups in the province. The report provides clear and easily-interpreted graphics showing the percentile distribution of births not only by income, but also for five regional health authorities; births to First Nations parents; and births to immigrants of European, Chinese, and South Asian origins. Birth weight distributions at each week of gestation help identify infants in need of special care. This study resulted from a collaboration of the British Columbia Vital Statistics Agency, the province's Ministry of Children and Family Development, Statistics Canada, McGill University, the University of Ottawa and the University of British Columbia. The report Charting Birth Outcome in British Columbia: Determinants of Optimal Health and Ultimate Risk - An Expansion and Update is available free, in English only, on the Government of British Columbia website (http://www.vs.gov.bc.ca/stats/features/index.html). The document consists of the report and two appendices. For more information about the concepts, methods or data quality of the report, or to obtain a copy, contact Russell Wilkins (613-951-5305; russell.wilkins@statcan.gc.ca) Health Analysis and Measurement Group. [an error occurred while processing this directive] |
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