Effects of individual and social factors on preterm birth and low birth weigth: empirical evidence from regional data in Italy

Objectives We examine the effects of mother’s characteristicsand socioeconomic condition on weight at birthand preterm delivery in an Italian region (Umbria).Methods The study concerns all live-born singletoninfants in 2007 with at least a gestational age of 22 weeks.Information derived from the Standard Certificate of LiveBirth was linked to information from census statistics, so asto obtain a deprivation index.Results On the basis of the fitting of two separate logisticregression models, we conclude that all individual socioeconomicfactors are strongly associated with the outcomesat birth, apart from the deprivation index. Older and lesseducated mothers, and those with lower occupational level,have a higher probability to run into preterm delivery withrespect to the other mothers. The relative risk ratios for lowbirth weight are significantly higher for older mothers, non-European, and not married. Lower weight rates are foundin infants from complicated pregnancy and non-spontaneousconception.Conclusions Effects of mother’s characteristics on weightat birth and weeks of gestation are confirmed. The deprivationindex does not affect these outcomes, showing theproper implementation of the Health System.