›› 2012, Vol. 32 ›› Issue (10): 1326-.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8115.2012.10.010

• Original article (Clinical research) • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Cross-sectional study on birth defects among children aged 0 to 5 years in southeastern and northeastern Chongqing

HUANG Qiao1, ZHONG Zhao-hui1, LI Jie2, LI Hong2, YANG Liu2, MOU Li-hong1, YANG Ji-gao2   

  1. 1.Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China;2.Chongqing Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Chongqing 400016, China
  • Online:2012-10-28 Published:2012-11-05
  • Supported by:

    Chongqing Population and Family Planning Committee Foundation, 2010-20;Chongqing Science and Technology Committee Foundation, 2011ggc503

Abstract:

Objective To investigate the prevalence of birth defects among children aged 0 to 5 years in southeastern and northeastern Chongqing, to illustrate the main types and conditions of defects, and to provide scientific evidence for the prevention of birth defects. Methods Subjects were selected through multi-stage proportional cluster random sampling. The criteria for diagnosis and re-checking were standardized, and the data of medical history and physical examinations were obtained by investigators with strict training. Results The prevalence rates of birth defects in southeastern and northeastern Chongqing were 39.84‰ (41/1029) and 49.48‰ (114/2190) respectively, with no significant difference between them (χ2=1.49,P=0.22). Hernia, polydactylism and cryptorchidism took the first three places of birth defects in southeastern Chongqing, while hernia, cryptorchidism and congenital heart disease in northeastern Chongqing. The prevalence rates of birth defects among boys and girls in southeastern Chongqing were 59.65‰ and 15.25‰ respectively, and those in northeastern Chongqing were 71.37‰ and 21.67‰ respectively, with the prevalence rates of boys significantly higher than those of girls in both areas (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the prevalence rates of birth defects among different age groups in southeastern Chongqing (χ2=1.22,P=0.87). The prevalence rate of birth defects of 1-year age group was the highest in northeastern Chongqing, with that of 4-5-year age group ranking second, and there were significant differences between these two age groups (χ2=9.91,P<0.05). The prevalence rate of birth defects in the rural area (56.72‰) was higher than that of the urban area (32.02‰) in northeastern Chongqing (χ2=7.80,P<0.05), and was higher than that of the rural area in southeastern Chongqing (37.36‰)(χ2=4.50,P<0.05). Conclusion The prevalence of birth defects among children aged 0 to 5 years has been vividly illustrated by the cross-sectional investigation, which helps to identify the birth defects with high prevalence rate and severe damage and find the risk factors for the disease control and prevention.

Key words: birth defect, cross-sectional study, area