Reproductive and perinatal health indicators in immigrant and Spanish-born women in Catalonia and Valencia (2005-2006)

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of teenage maternity, preterm birth and low birth weight in Spanish and immigrant mothers from Latin America, eastern Europe, Maghreb and sub-Saharan Africa resident in Catalonia and Valencia from 2005 and 2006. Methods: Using data from congenital metabolic disorders registers in both regions, proportions and 95% confidence intervals were obtained for the following: 1) mothers aged less than 20 years; 2) preterm ( <37 weeks) and very preterm ( <32 weeks) births: and 3) low birth weight ( <2500 g) and very low birth weight (<1500 g) neonates. The calculations were performed for mothers from each of the geographical areas of origin (Spain, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Maghreb and Sub-Sahara). These proportions were compared in Spanish-born and immigrant women and the significance of differences was assessed using chi-squared tests. Results: The prevalence of teenage mothers was between three and five times higher in immigrants than in Spanish women, the highest rate being found in women from eastern Europe. Preterm births, very preterm births and very low birth weight were more frequent in eastern European women than in Spanish women. The prevalence of prematurity and very low birth weight was higher in sub-Saharan mothers than in Spanish women. Conclusions: The number of births in teenage mothers was higher in immigrant mothers from all origins than in Spanish women. The highest rates of low birth weight and preterm births were found in women from eastern Europe and sub-Saharan Africa. (C) 2009 SESPAS. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L. All rights reserved.