Sociobiological factors and physical development of newborn infants in Plovdiv.
On the basis of data from a study, conducted in 1995 in Plovdiv, the correlation between newborn infants' physical development characteristics and some biological and social factors (maternal age, number of pregnancies, birth order, social class and educational level) was analyzed. Four basic anthropometric indices--height, body weight, head and chest circumferences were examined. The anthropometric indices of newborn infants in Plovdiv are the highest in second or third pregnancies. Birth order exerts significant influence on the physical development of newborn infants--the highest values are recorded at the second birth. The anthropometric indices are clearly dependent on mother's age. They increase with maternal age and reach their maximum in age group 30-34 years. The anthropometric indices values equalized in newborn infants from mothers--white and blue collar workers, while the values are significantly lower in newborns of unemployed mothers. Newborn infants' physical development of mothers with primary and high-school education is significantly inferior compared to children of mothers with higher educational levels.
Dimitrov
I
I
Department of Social Medicine, University of Medicine, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
D000328:Adult; D000886:Anthropometry; D002657:Child Development; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn / Q000254:growth & development*; D008423:Maternal Age; D011247:Pregnancy