Determinants and Prevention of Low Birth Weight:
A Synopsis of the Evidence
Arne Ohlsson. Prakeshkumar Shah
The Institute of Health Economics (IHE),
Available online as PDF file [284p.] at: http://www.ihe.ca/documents/IHE%20Report%20LowBirthWeight%20final.pdf
“……Low birth weight (defined as a birth weight of less than 2500 grams) is associated with fetal and neonatal morbidity and mortality, impaired cognitive development, and the advent of chronic diseases in later life….”
“……This book is a synopsis (an overview of summaries and individual studies) of the evidence on the determinants related to low birth weight births and the effectiveness of strategies and interventions to prevent them. It consists of 16 chapters. The first two chapters provide general background information on the incidence, survival rates, and consequences of low birth weight births and a summary of the approach used to identify and synthesize the extensive literature on the subject. Chapters 3 to 15 provide succinct overviews of the evidence base for the myriad determinants and interventions for low birth weight births addressed in the literature. The final chapter provides a useful reference guide to the contents of the book in the form of tabulated summaries of the evidence and
conclusions….”
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1: Introduction 1
CHAPTER 2: Methods of the Synopsis
CHAPTER 3: Maternal Demographical Factors
CHAPTER 4: Maternal Anthropometric Characteristics
CHAPTER 5: Intergenerational Influences, Paternal and Fetal Factors
CHAPTER 6: Maternal Medical Factors
CHAPTER 7: Pregnancy with Multiple Fetuses
CHAPTER 8: Race/Ethnicity and Psychosocial Factors/Stress/Socioeconomic Factors
CHAPTER 9: Lifestyle Factors
CHAPTER 10: Environmental Factors
CHAPTER 11: Occupational Factors, Noise, Violence and Maternal Trauma
CHAPTER 12: Nutritional Factors/Interventions
CHAPTER 13: Infections
CHAPTER 14: Antenatal Care and Early Detection of At-Risk Fetuses
CHAPTER 15: Secondary Prevention for Preterm Birth and Fetal Growth Restriction
CHAPTER 16: Summary and Conclusions
Glossary of Terms
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