Introduction: Immigrant mothers in Spain have a lower risk of delivering Low BirthWeight (LBW) babies in comparison to Spaniards (LBW paradox). This study aimed at revisiting this finding by applying a model-based threshold as an alternative to the conventional definition of LBW. Methods: Vital information data from Madrid was used (2005-2006). LBW was defined in two ways (less than 2500. g and Wilcox's proposal). Logistic and linear regression models were run. Results: According to common definition of LBW (less than 2500. g) there is evidence to support the LBW paradox in Spain. Nevertheless, when an alternative model-based definition of LBW is used, the paradox is only clearly present in mothers from the rest of Southern America, suggesting a possible methodological bias effect. Conclusion: In the future, any examination of the existence of the LBW paradox should incorporate model-based definitions of LBW in order to avoid methodological bias. © 2013 SESPAS.
CITATION STYLE
Juárez, S., Ploubidis, G. B., & Clarke, L. (2014). Revisiting the “Low BirthWeight paradox” using a model-based definition. Gaceta Sanitaria, 28(2), 160–162. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaceta.2013.08.001
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