The epidemiology of low birth weight; changes in incidence in Aberdeen, 1948-72

Changes in the incidence of low birth weight (defined as 2500 gm or less) in Aberdeen, Scotland are explored. The article also focuses on the perinatal mortality rate associated with unexplained low birth weight (LBW). Results, when analysed in terms of age, parity and social class of the mother, showed that in para 0 the incidence was highest in 1948-52. There was very little variation in incidence in each five year group in terms of para 1. The incidence of LBW was most strongly influenced by the socioeconomic climate at the time of the mother's birth. At least in Aberdeen the incidence of LBW in short women was twice that in tall women. The author concludes that the epidemiological characteristics of LBW is very closely associated with the changes in the socioeconomic conditions in Britain in the last decade which have affected health, nutrition and reproductive efficiency.