Spokane Counts 2011 - Low Birth Weight

Low Birth Weight

Reproductive Health

Indicator: Low Birth Weight

Definition: Percent of singleton births with a birth weight <2500 grams (5.5 pounds).

Why is this important: Low birth weight infants are at an increased risk of dying within the first year of life, experiencing delayed motor and social development, and having a learning disability. The risk of these outcomes increases as birth weight decreases, with very low birth weight infants (<1500 grams, or 3.3 pounds) having the greatest risk.

Where are we: In 2009 in Spokane County, 5% of singleton births had a low birth weight. There was no significant change in the proportion of singleton births with a low birth weight from 2005 to 2009. The low birth weight rate in Spokane County was similar to that of Washington State in 2009, but significantly lower than the U.S. in 2008.

Health Disparities:

Among Spokane County women who gave birth in 2009:

Low birth weight among singletons decreased as education increased.
Those on Medicaid were more likely to have a low birth weight singleton than those not on Medicaid.

There was no difference in singleton low birth weight by age group or race.

Additional Information: Infants at greatest risk for poor health outcomes are those with a very low birth weight; <1500 grams or <3.3 pounds. In 2009 in Spokane County, less than one percent (0.8%) of all singleton births had a very low birth weight. Among singleton infants with a low birth weight, 14.7% had a very low birth weight.

(click to enlarge)

	Data Source	DOH, CHS, 2009

Geography	Spokane County	5.2% (4.7-5.8)
	WA	4.9% (4.7-5.0)
	U.S.	6.4%

	Trend	05-09 No Trend

Age	Births
	<18 yrs	6.3% (3.0-12.6)
	18-24 yrs	5.7% (4.8-6.8)
	25-34 yrs	4.8% (4.1-5.6)
	35+ yrs	5.6% (4.1-7.7)

Race	White	5.2% (4.6-5.8)
	Black	6.5% (3.5-11.6)
	NAAN	6.3% (3.4-11.2)
	API	4.8% (2.7-8.5)

Education*	< High school	8.1% (6.2-10.4)
	High school	5.9% (4.8-7.2)
	Some college	4.9% (4.1-6.0)
	College graduate	3.6% (2.8-4.7)

Income	Medicaid	6.6% (5.7-7.5)
	Non-Medicaid	4.0% (3.3-4.7)

* Education reflects the mother's highest education level

Data Source: Washington State Department of Health, Center for Health Statistics.

Spokane Regional Health District · Community Health Assessment · 1101 W College Ave, Room 360, Spokane, WA 99201
509.323.2853 | FAX 509.232.1706 | TDD 509.324.1464 · www.srhd.org/spokanecounts