Bajo peso al nacer en Uruguay: implicaciones para las políticas de salud

Abstract

This study analyzes the probability of low birthweight birth using a sample representing all births in Uruguay during 2003. Data from the Perinatal Information System allow us to estimate the effects of health inputs and risk factors on birthweight outcomes for a less-developed country. The results indicate that the probability of low birthweight is negatively correlated with adequacy of prenatal care usage and maternal educational attainment, while this probability is positively correlated with smoking during pregnancy, low body mass index, first pregnancies, pre-gestational hypertension, and the existence of a prior low birthweight birth. We also find a hospital-specific effect on the probability of low birthweight, positive for public hospitals and negative for private hospitals. Policy simulations indicate that a reasonable improvement in prenatal care usage could positively influence infant health in Uruguay by reducing the probability of low birthweight.Low Birthweight; Health Risks; Uruguay