Determinants and prevention of low birth weight: A synopsis of the evidence
Author(s)/Editor(s): Ohlsson A, Prakeshkumar Shah
Publisher/Organizer: The Institute of Health Economics (
Publication date: 2008
Language: English
Overview
"Low birth weight (defined as a birth weight of less than 2500 grams) is associated with fetal and neonatal morbidity and mortality, impaired cognitive development, and the advent of chronic diseases in later life.”
“This book is a synopsis (an overview of summaries and individual studies) of the evidence on the determinants related to low birth weight births and the effectiveness of strategies and interventions to prevent them. It consists of 16 chapters. The first two chapters provide general background information on the incidence, survival rates, and consequences of low birth weight births and a summary of the approach used to identify and synthesize the extensive literature on the subject. Chapters 3 to 15 provide succinct overviews of the evidence base for the myriad determinants and interventions for low birth weight births addressed in the literature. The final chapter provides a useful reference guide to the contents of the book in the form of tabulated summaries of the evidence and conclusions.”