National and subnational trends of birthweight in Peru: Pooled analysis of 2,927,761 births between 2012 and 2019 from the national birth registry

Abstract

Summary Background National and subnational characterization of birthweight profiles lacks in low- and middle-income countries, yet these are needed for monitoring the progress of national and global nutritional targets. We aimed to describe birthweight indicators at the national and subnational levels in Peru (2012-2019), and by selected correlates. Methods We studied mean birthweight (g), low birthweight (<2,500 g) and small for gestational age (according to international growth curves) prevalences. We analysed the national birth registry and summarized the three birthweight indicators at the national, regional, and province level, also by geographic area (Coast, Highlands, and Amazon). With individual-level data from the mother, we described the birthweight indicators by age, educational level and healthcare provider. Following an ecological approach (province level), we described the birthweight indicators by human development index (HDI), altitude above sea level, proportion of the population living in poverty and proportion of rural population. Findings Mean birthweight was always the lowest in the Highlands (2,954 g in 2019) yet the highest in the Coast (3,516 g in 2019). The same was observed for low birthweight and small for gestational age. In regions with Coast and Highlands, the birthweight indicators worsen from the Coast to the Highlands; the largest absolute difference in mean birthweight between Coast and Highlands in the same region was 367 g. All birthweight indicators were the worst in mothers with none/initial education, while they improved with higher HDI. Interpretation This analysis suggests that interventions are needed at the province level, given the large differences observed between Coast and Highlands even in the same region. Funding Wellcome Trust (214185/Z/18/Z)

Short‐term dynamics of linear growth among Peruvian infants in the first year of life in a population with linear growth faltering

“…The mean birth weight of the sample was 3.08 kg (SD = 0.43), slightly below the Peruvian national average of 3.2 kg (Carrillo‐Larco et al, 2021). Mean anthropometric measurements at 0, 6, and 12 months old are provided in Table 2.…”

Vulnerable newborn phenotypes in Peru: a population-based study of 3,841,531 births at national and subnational levels from 2012 to 2021

“… 13 , 14 , 32 Thus, PT, SGA and LGA may further represent the driving pathways for vulnerability, guiding the prioritization of preventive interventions and clinical care. 1 , 15 However, even if a previous ecological research in Peru found the prevalence of newborns with LBW and SGA was 6.2% and 5.2%, respectively, 34 no earlier study had comprehensively examined all these novel vulnerable newborn phenotypes at the subnational level in Peru.…”