Most Scandinavians are born during summer time and less Norwegians are born the first quarter of the year: a study comparing Scandinavian birth patterns 2000-2012.

OBJECTIVES: Summer time is a challenging period in obstetric care as many health care workers are on holiday. We aimed to explore the Scandinavian birth patterns and the Norwegian kindergarten reform's possible influence on time of delivery in Norway. METHODS: A retrospective analysis using data (2000-12) from the medical birth registries of Denmark, Norway and Sweden was carried out. Annual data for each country were compared. The first five years (2000-2004) period was compared with the periods 2005-2009 and 2010-2012 to clarify any changing trend in month and seasons of delivery. Furthermore, the time period following the Norwegian kindergarten reform (2010-12) was compared with the time period 2000-2009. In total, there were 760,168 Norwegians, 827,354 Danes and 1,354,177 Swedes born during study period. RESULTS: Whereas the number of deliveries increased in Sweden (24%) and Norway (3%), there was a 12% reduction in Denmark during study period. Comparing seasons, most births (35.3%) occurred during summer time (May-August). In Norway, there was a significant change during study period with fewer children born between January and April (P < 0.04) and more during summer time (P < 0.01). The lower percentage of births during the last quarter of the year was stable in all countries. CONCLUSION: Most Scandinavians were born during summer time. During study period a significant shift of births from spring to summer time was observed in Norwegians. So far, the Norwegian kindergarten reform has not influenced on the birth rate between September and December.

Medical treatment of children and youths with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): a Norwegian Prescription Registry Based Study.

OBJECTIVES: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a lifelong neurological condition with a profound effect on quality of life. Prescription databases may document pattern of use. In this study we aimed to explore the use in Norway employing such a database. METHODS: All prescriptions on drugs for the treatment of ADHD between 2004 and 2011, as registered in the Norwegian Prescription Database (NPD) were analyzed. The following drugs were included: Amphetamine, dexamphetamine, methylphenidate and atomoxetine. In-hospital drug administration was excluded. Numbers of users per 1,000 inhabitants were calculated according to gender, age and residence. A sub-analysis compared users born in January-June with those born in July-December. Drug costs were calculated and converted into Euros (€ 1 = N.kr 7.4540). RESULTS: Drugs for the treatment of ADHD was significantly more often prescribed in northern Norway than in any other Norwegian health region (P < 0.001). Within the northern region, Nordland County was the "culprit" (P < 0.02). Compared to Norwegian figures, significantly more females (aged 10-19 years) were treated in northern Norway [male/female ratios 3:1 and 2.2:1 (P < 0.01)] and especially in Nordland County (ratio 2.1:1). The subanalysis did not indicate a northern overtreatment of those being a younger group in their grade. The annual drug cost per user in Norway was € 919. CONCLUSIONS: The prescription rate was significantly higher in northern Norway and Nordland County was the culprit. A prescription database may be a tool for monitoring the national use of these drugs.

Quality of obstetric care in the sparsely populated sub-arctic area of Norway 2009-2011.

BACKGROUND: It is challenging to obtain high quality obstetric care in a sparsely populated area. In the subarctic region of Norway, significant distances, weather conditions and seasonable darkness have called for a decentralized care model. We aimed to explore the quality of this care. METHODS: A retrospective study employing data (2009-11) from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway was initiated. Northern Norwegian and Norwegian figures were compared. Midwife administered maternity units, departments at local and regional specialist hospitals were compared. National registry data on post-caesarean wound infection (2009-2010) was added. Quality of care was measured as rate of multiple pregnancies, caesarean section, post-caesarean wound infection, Apgar score <7, birth weight <2.5 kilos, perineal rupture, stillbirth, eclampsia, pregnancy induced diabetes and vacuum or forceps assisted delivery. There were 15,586 births in 15 delivery units. RESULTS: Multiple pregnancies were less common in northern Norway (1.3 vs. 1.7%) (P = 0.02). Less use of vacuum (6.6% vs. 8.3%) (P = 0.01) and forceps (0.9% vs 1.7%) (P < 0.01) assisted delivery was observed. There was no difference with regard to pregnancy induced diabetes, caesarean section, stillbirth, Apgar score < 7 and eclampsia. A significant difference in birth weight < 2.5 kilos (4.7% vs. 5.0%) (P < 0.04) and perineal rupture grade 3 and 4 (1.5% vs. 2.3%) (P < 0.02) were revealed. The post-caesarean wound infection rate was higher (10.5% vs. 7.4%) (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Northern Norway had an obstetric care of good quality. Birth weight, multiple pregnancies and post-caesarean wound infection rates should be further elucidated.

Induced abortion on demand and birth rate in Sami-speaking municipalities and a control group in Finnmark, Norway.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to analyze the birth and induced abortion on demand (IAD) rate among women in Sami-speaking communities and a control group in Finnmark County, Norway. METHODS: The 6 northern municipalities included in the administration area of the Sami language law (study group) were matched with a control group of 9 municipalities. Population data (numbers, sex and age) were accessed from Statistics Norway. Data on birth rate and IAD during the time period 1999-2009 were derived from the Medical Birth Registry (MBR) of Norway. Data on number of women in fertile age (15-44 years) were obtained from Statistics Norway. Between 2001 and 2008, this age group was reduced by 12% (Sami) and 23% (controls), respectively. RESULTS: Finnmark County has a high IAD rate and 1 in 4 pregnancies (spontaneous abortions excluded) ended in IAD in the study and control groups. The total fertility rate per woman was 1.94 and 1.87 births, respectively. There was no difference between groups with regard to the IAD/birth ratio (P=0.94) or general fertility rate GFR (P=0.82). CONCLUSIONS: Women in the Sami-majority area and a control group in Finnmark County experienced a similar frequency of IAD and fertility rate.