Study on the neonatal conditions in four cities of China in 2012 / 临床儿科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To understand the birth conditions of newborns in four cities of China and its trend. Methods The physical development data of single live newborns in 4 cities of Beijing, Harbin, Changsha and Guangzhou were investi-gated by random cluster sampling method, and was compared with the national neonatal growth standard developed from the investigation in 15 cities from 1986 to 1987. Results The study investigated a total of 5 539 newborns1 412 in Beijing, 1 410 in Harbin, 1 274 in Changsha and 1 443 in Guangzhou. Except for the head circumference of male newborns, the weight, height and head circumference of full-term newborns in four cities in 2012 were all more than the national neonatal growth standard of 1986-1987 (P<0.05). Compared with the data obtained from 1986-1987, the sex ratio and the prevalence of macrosomia and premature were higher, but the rates of post-term delivery and low birth weight were lower (P<0.01). Conclusions The new-borns in four cities of China are in good condition during recent 25 years. More attention should be paid to improve the birth sex ratio and to decrease rates of macrosomia and premature.