How many low birthweight babies in low- and middleincome countries are preterm?

Fernando C. Barros, Aluísio J D Barros, José Villar, Alicia Matijasevich, Marlos R. Domingues, Cesar G. Victora

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

23 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: To assess the prevalence of preterm birth among low birthweight babies in low and middle-income countries. Methods: Major databases (PubMed, LILACS, Google Scholar) were searched for studies on the prevalence of term and preterm LBW babies with field work carried out after 1990 in low- and middle-income countries. Regression methods were used to model this proportion according to LBW prevalence levels. Results: According to 47 studies from 27 low- and middle-income countries, approximately half of all LBW babies are preterm rather than one in three as assumed in studies previous to the 1990s. Conclusions: The estimate of a substantially higher number of LBW preterm babies has important policy implications in view of special health care needs of these infants. As for earlier projections, our findings are limited by the relative lack of population-based studies.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)607-616
Number of pages10
JournalRevista de Saude Publica
Volume45
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2011
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Developing countries
  • Infant, low birth weight
  • Infant, premature
  • Review

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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