Pregnancy outcome of women in the vicinity of nuclear power plants in Taiwan.
The purpose of the study was to investigate whether proximity to nuclear power plants may increase the risk of abnormal pregnant outcomes among the resident women. In this ecological study, data were used from the Health Services Birth Reports Database established by the Bureau of Health Promotion, National Department of Health, Taiwan, in 2001-2004. Chi-square-tests were carried out to investigate the "Plant-vicinity" and "Non plant-vicinity" group in terms of pregnancy outcome. Additionally, logistic regression was performed to investigate whether residence in the vicinity of a nuclear power plant was related to any abnormal pregnancy results. Based on data from 5,679 included subjects, no difference was observed between pregnancy outcomes of the "Plant-vicinity" and "Non plant-vicinity" groups. After accounting for possible confounders, the adjusted odds ratios were 1.20 (95% CI = 0.56-2.56) for stillbirth, 1.21 (95% CI = 0.95-1.53) for premature birth, 1.04 (95% CI = 0.79-1.37) for low birth weight, and 1.58 (95% CI = 0.85-2.93) for congenital deficiencies, respectively, when comparing the "Plant-vicinity" with the "Non plant-vicinity" group. The results of the study indicate that residence in the vicinity of a nuclear power plant is not a significant factor which will cause abnormal health situations during pregnancy.
Wang
Shiow-Ing
SI
Department of Healthcare Administration, College of Health Science, Asia University, 500, Lioufeng Rd., Wufeng, Taichung, 41354, Taiwan.
Lee
Long-Teng
LT
Zou
Ming-Lun
ML
Fan
Chen-Wei
CW
Yaung
Chin-Liang
CL
D000328:Adult; D016208:Databases, Factual; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007743:Labor, Obstetric; D055848:Nuclear Power Plants; D011050:Policy Making; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011264:Pregnancy Trimesters; D011634:Public Health; D012306:Risk; D013624:Taiwan / Q000453:epidemiology; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult