title: [Birth weight of Roma neonates: effect of biomedical and socioeconomic factors in Hungary].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The last Hungarian study on birth weight of Roma neonates published in 1991 indicated -377 gram crude difference as compared to the general population. Exploration of this complex problem requires more sophisticated, multifactorial linear regression analysis.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To compare Roma and non-Roma maternal and neonatal populations using biomedical and socioeconomic variables focusing on differences in the birth weight of the neonates.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data collection with self-identified ethnicity was performed between 2009 and 2012 in five north and eastern counties of Hungary. The authors used the IBM-SPSS v.22 program for Chi-square and t-probe and linear regression analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In the sample of Roma (n = 3103) and non-Roma (n = 8918) populations there was a disadvantage in birth weight in Roma neonates by 294 gram in crude terms, but the linear regression model reduced it to 92 gram by the ethnic variable.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Biological (genetic) impact on the weight difference cannot be excluded, however, the multifactorial statistical analysis indicates the priority of socioeconomic factors and behavioural patterns.
authors.affiliation: Semmelweis Egyetem, Általános Orvostudományi Kar Népegészségtani Intézet Budapest Nagyvárad tér 4. 1089.
authors.forename: Péter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Balázs
authors.affiliation: Semmelweis Egyetem, Egészségtudományi Kar Családgondozási Módszertani Tanszék Budapest.
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Fogarasi-Grenczer
authors.affiliation: Debreceni Egyetem Egészségügyi Gondozás és Prevenció Alapszak, Koordinációs Egység Nyíregyháza.
authors.forename: Ildikó
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Rákóczi
authors.affiliation: Davidson College Medical Humanities Program Davidson NC USA.
authors.forename: Kristie L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Foley
mesh_terms: D001724:Birth Weight; D015992:Body Mass Index; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D004032:Diet; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D006814:Hungary / Q000453:epidemiology; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008019:Life Style / Q000208:ethnology; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D009035:Mothers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011203:Poverty / Q000208:ethnology; D006178:Romani People / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012907:Smoking / Q000208:ethnology; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors
keywords: Roma neonates’ birth weight; behavioural patterns; complex interrelations; komplex hatásmechanizmusok; roma újszülöttek testtömege; socioeconomic impacts; társadalmi-gazdasági hatások; életmódbeli tényezők