Association between severe cyclone events and birth outcomes in Queensland, Australia, 2008–2018: a population based retrospective cohort study

Abstract

Objective: Investigate an association between severe tropical cyclones (TCs) and birth outcomes in an Australian population. Methods: We analysed over 600,000 singleton livebirths collected through the Queensland Perinatal Data Collection between 2008 and 2018. We estimated the odds ratios (ORs) of adverse birth outcomes using logistic multi-level modelling. Results: Exposure to TCs in early pregnancy was associated with significantly higher odds of preterm births in affected compared to unaffected areas during the TC year [OR=1.28, 95%CI=1.11, 1.49, p=0.001] and slightly significant higher odds in affected areas during TC years compared to non-TC years. Significantly higher odds of low birthweight births were associated with mid-pregnancy exposure to cyclone Marcia [OR=1.62, 95%CI=1.00, 2.40, p=0.016]. Conclusions: Findings aligned with studies demonstrating an association between exposure to environmental stressors in early to mid-pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes. Implications for public health: There is limited research into TCs and perinatal health in Australia despite most of the population residing along coastlines and TCs presenting one of the nation's most devastating weather events. This study will inform public health practice and contribute to further research into mitigating environmental risks faced by pregnant women.