Low Birthweight – Mothers 15 Years of Age and Older

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Abstract

The Atlantic Provinces have a higher proportion of low birthweight births than most other areas in Canada. As one moves west through the Prairies, then to British Columbia, and finally to the territories, the low birthweight births decrease by region.

Low birthweight (LBW) is a health status indicator, and is defined as babies born with weight under 2500 grams. The proportion of low birthweight babies born to mothers 15 years of age and older indicates the health and well-being of a population. Health status refers to the state of health of a person or group, and measures causes of sickness and death. It can also include people’s assessment of their own health.

When the ages of mothers are not differentiated, the Atlantic provinces have fewer geographical units with LBW of 6.00% or greater than most other areas of Canada. The proportions rise sharply in Quebec and Ontario. As one moves west through the Prairies, then to British Columbia, and finally to the territories, the LBW rates by census division (CD) decrease more frequently to values of 5.99% and less. Of the 288 CDs in 1996, seven had LBW rates of 8.00% or higher. Six of these were in Quebec (La Riviére-du-Nord, Montmagny, La Nouvelle-Beauce, Manicouagan, Le Haut-Saint-Laurent, Denis-Riverin) and one in Ontario (Sudbury District). At the other end of the scale, however, Quebec also had the single CD with 0.00% LBW (L' Île d'Orléans). Only one CD is not reported here (Stikine in northern British Columbia) due to insufficient numbers.