The effects of age and aboriginality on the incidence of low birth weight in mountain townships of Taiwan.

BACKGROUND This study aimed to examine the associations between aboriginality, age, demographic and socioeconomic factors of the mother and the risk of low birth weight (LBW) in mountain townships of Taiwan. METHODS We analyzed the LBW proportion of single live babies born to 2032 first-time mothers between 2004 and 2005. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test, analysis of variance, the Scheffe test and logistic regression. RESULTS About 14.8% of Aboriginal mothers and 18.7% of Aboriginal teen mothers gave birth to infants of LBW. Aboriginal mothers were found to be at higher risk of delivering LBW infants; however, after controlling for marital status and education, the influence of aboriginality and age was no longer significant. CONCLUSIONS Marital status and education are more important determinants of LBW than aboriginality and age in mountain townships of Taiwan.