Andrej M Grjibovski¹, Lars Olov Bygren¹, Agneta Yngve¹, Michael Sjöström¹, and Yuri R Tedder². (1) Unit for Preventive Nutrition, Dept. of Biosciences at NOVUM, Karolinska Institutet, Hälsovägen 7, Huddinge, Sweden, +46-8-6083300, andrej.grjibovski@prevnut.ki.se, (2) Institute of Hygiene and Medical Ecology, Northern State Medical University, Troitski prospekt, 51, Arkhangelsk, Russia

The importance of adequate fetal growth on future health is widely recognized. Birthweight (BW) is a strong predictor of morbidity in childhood and is also associated with hypertension, diabetes, and some other diseases in adults. Ponderal index (PI) measures disproportional fetal growth. Both indicators are associated with maternal social circumstances. The association between disadvantaged social class and adverse pregnancy outcomes is widely established. Russian transition to democracy is followed by considerable increase in health inequalities.

This study examines variations in fetal growth by maternal social circumstances in a Russian town. All pregnant women registered in antenatal clinics in 1999 in Severodvinsk (north-west Russia) and their live born infants comprised the study base (n=1399). Multivariable regression models were applied to quantify the effect of socio-demographic factors on BW and PI.

A clear gradient of BW in relation to maternal education was revealed after adjustment for potential confounders. Babies born to mothers with basic, secondary, and vocational education were 207g (95% CI: 55-358), 172g (95% CI: 91-253), and 83g (95% CI: 9-163) lighter than babies born to women with university level of education. Similar gradients were found for proportion of low birth weight infants and the PI. The observed differences are larger than in most European countries. Potential mechanisms of the associations are discussed. Social variations in pregnancy outcomes should be monitored during transition to ensure that all parts of the society benefit from on-going economic and social reforms.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• List socio-demographic determinants of fetal growth in an urban Russian setting;
• Assess the level of health inequalities in newborn infants in transitional Russia;
• Discuss biological mechanisms of the revealed associations as well as potential implications for future health in Russia.

Keywords: Social Inequalities, MCH Epidemiology

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.