Rates of multiple birth in New Jersey have increased remarkable between 1989 and 1999; growing at an average annual rate of 6.3 percent. The number of twins increased by 62% while birth order higher than twins increased by more than fivefold. Trends in multiple births were higher for; Whites than for Blacks; Non-Hispanics than for Hispanics; married than for non-married; mothers over 30 years of age than for mothers less than 30; and mothers with 12 years or more of education than for mothers with less than 12 years of education. To assess the impact of the increase in multiple births on low birthweight and on preterm birth, we calculated adjusted low birthweight and preterm rates. The adjusted rates were calculated by applying plurality-specific low birthweight and preterm rates on a given year to the plurality distribution in 1989. The difference between adjusted and unadjusted rates reflects the effect of the change in the distribution of plurality on low birthweight and preterm rates over time. In 1998, the preterm birth rate was 7.1% higher due to increases in multiple birth rates. The low birthweight rate was 12.7% higher due to increases in multiple birth rates. Future monitoring of low birthweight and preterm birth rates should include adjustments for multiple births.
Learning Objectives: After viewing this poster presentation Participants will: Recognizing trends in the characteristics of women who have had multiple births in New Jersey. Quantify the effects of increases in rates of multiple birth on low birthweight and on preterm birth rates. Recogonize the importance of adjusiting low birthweight and preterm birth for plurality
Keywords: Pregnancy Outcomes,
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.