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Journal Article Epublish 1 citation

PubMed: 40302778 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1544903

Wider determinants of adverse birth outcomes in Birmingham and Solihull.

Front Public Health 13:1544903

Authors: David Ellis, Chung Him Au-Yeung, Alexander Dallaway, Ranjana Basra, Sylvia Owusu-Nepaul, Jenny Riley, Rebecca Howell-Jones, Justin Varney, Marion Gibbon

Affiliations

  • Public Health, Birmingham City Council, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
  • Faculty of Education, Health and Wellbeing, School of Health and Society, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, United Kingdom.
  • Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (WISDEM), University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, United Kingdom.
  • Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom.

Abstract

Introduction

Birmingham and Solihull face significant challenges related to adverse birth outcomes. This study aimed to identify demographic, socioeconomic, and lifestyle factors associated with an increased risk of low birth weight, premature birth, stillbirth, and neonatal death in Birmingham and Solihull.

Methods

Births ( = 41, 231) between October 2020 and April 2023 were analysed. The attributable fraction of premature births and low birth weight (LBW) attributable to socioeconomic and ethnic inequality was calculated. Multiple logistic regression analyses identified groups that had increased odds of premature birth ( = 3, 312), LBW ( = 1, 197), stillbirth ( = 173), and neonatal death ( = 208).

Results

Attributable fraction analysis estimated that 191 premature births and 211 LBWs each year would not have occurred if all women had the same rates as White women living in the least deprived areas. Ethnicity, socioeconomic deprivation, medical care, lifestyle, and vulnerability status were found to be significant risk factors for adverse birth outcomes. Asian and Black women had 1.4-2.7 times the odds of LBW compared to White women ( < 0.01). Black women had increased odds of stillbirth (OR : 1.75, = 0.017) and Asian women had increased odds of neonatal death (OR : 1.90, < 0.001). The odds of LBW (OR : 3.3), premature birth (OR : 27.2), and neonatal death (OR : 5.6) were significantly increased for twins ( < 0.001). For women smoking at delivery, the odds of LBW (OR : 2.3), premature birth (OR : 1.5), and stillbirth (OR : 1.6) were significantly increased ( < 0.05). Deprivation, and/or financial and housing issues also increased the odds of adverse birth outcomes ( < 0.05).

Discussion

These findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions and support for at-risk populations to reduce adverse birth outcomes in vulnerable communities.

MeSH

Life Style, Stillbirth, Parturition, Pregnancy Outcome, Logistic Models, Public Health, Pregnancy Complications, Birth Weight, Premature Birth, Socioeconomic Factors