[Birth rates evolution in Spain. Birth trends in Spain from 1941 to 2010].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to analyse trends of births in Spain and its Autonomous Communities (CCAA) over a 70 year period (1941-2010).


METHODS
The crude birth rates per 1,000 inhabitants/year were calculated by CCAA using Joinpoint regression models. Change points in trend and annual percentage of change (APC) were identified.


RESULTS
The distribution of 38,160,305 births between 1941 and 2010 shows important changes in trends both nationally and among the CCAA. There is a general pattern for the whole country, with 5 turning points being identified with changes in trend and annual percentage change (APC). Differences are also found among regions.


CONCLUSIONS
The analysis of trends in birth rates and the annual rates of change should enable public health authorities to properly plan pediatric care resources in our country.
Servicio de Pediatría, Complejo Asistencial Universitario de Palencia, Palencia, España. Electronic address: jm.andres.dellano@gmail.com.
J M
JM
Andrés de Llano
Servicio de Pediatría, Complejo Asistencial Universitario de Palencia, Palencia, España.
S
S
Alberola López
Servicio de Pediatría, Complejo Asistencial Universitario de Palencia, Palencia, España.
J R
JR
Garmendia Leiza
Servicio de Epidemiología y Prevención Sanitaria, Dirección General de Salud Pública de La Rioja, La Rioja, España.
C
C
Quiñones Rubio
Servicio de Pediatría, Hospital Universitario del Río Hortega, Valladolid, España.
R
R
Cancho Candela
Servicio de Epidemiología y Prevención Sanitaria, Dirección General de Salud Pública de La Rioja, La Rioja, España.
E
E
Ramalle-Gómara
D001723:Birth Rate / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D013030:Spain; D013997:Time Factors
Birth; Birth rate; Nacimientos; Tasa de natalidad; Tendencias; Trends