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Early neonatal mortality, low birth weight and related factors in Japan

  • Original Article
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Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine Aims and scope

Abstract

Objectives

The author conducted an ecological study to examine prefectural differences in ENMR and the related factors in Japan, using two new indicators; birth weight (BW) adjusted ENMR and expected ENMR by BW distribution.

Method

Correlate analysis of data from national vital statistics and some indicators of medical care services among 47 prefectures edited by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, Japan were conducted. BW-adjusted ENMR and expected ENMR by BW, as well as other indicators, were prepared for statistical analysis.

Result

Crude and BW-adjusted ENMRs were significantly correlated with ENMRs for low birth weight (LBW) and very low birth weight (VLBW) early neonates (p<0.01). The number of Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) physicians was negatively correlated with BW adjusted ENMR.

Conclusion

Crude and BW-adjusted ENMRs were affected mainly by LBW and VLBW early neonate specific ENMR, but not by the rate of LBW. The variation of ENMR among prefectures in Japan is attributable to the number of OB/GYN physicians. The present findings suggest that emphasis should be laid upon enhancement of regional perinatal care systems.

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Author notes

  1. Takuya Sugie

    Present address: , 139-1, Matsudo, Apt #1-308, 271-0083, Matsudo, Chiba, Japan

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, Okayama University Medical School, Okayama

    Takuya Sugie

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  1. Takuya Sugie
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Sugie, T. Early neonatal mortality, low birth weight and related factors in Japan. Environ Health Prev Med 6, 121–126 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02897958

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02897958

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