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Unequal at birth - Inequalities in the occurrence of low birthweight babies in Ireland. October 2006 Dr Helen McAvoy. Overview . Low birth weight is associated with adverse health and developmental outcomes This report
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Unequal at birth - Inequalities in the occurrence of low birthweight babies in Ireland October 2006 Dr Helen McAvoy
Overview • Low birth weight is associated with adverse health and developmental outcomes • This report • quantifies and assesses the effect of socio-economic status on the occurrence of low birthweight in Ireland • Presents a rapid review of what works to reduce inequalities in low birthweight
Main findings • Babies born to parents who are unemployed were at over twice the risk of being low birthweight • If all socio-economic groups had the same proportion of low birthweight births as the highest socio-economic group, there would have been an estimated 695 fewer low birthweight babies in 1999.
Main findings • Sensitively and carefully designed interventions aimed at improving health behaviours in pregnancy, especially smoking, have a role in reducing inequalities in low birthweight. • Strategies designed to support early enrolment in antenatal care by low income women may also have a role.
