A prediction model for classifying maternal pregnancy smoking using California state birth certificate information.

BACKGROUND: Systematically recorded smoking data are not always available in vital statistics records, and even when available it can underestimate true smoking rates. OBJECTIVE: To develop a prediction model for maternal tobacco smoking in late pregnancy based on birth certificate information using a combination of self- or provider-reported smoking and biomarkers (smoking metabolites) in neonatal blood spots as the alloyed gold standard. METHODS: We designed a case-control study where childhood cancer cases were identified from the California Cancer Registry and controls were from the California birth rolls between 1983 and 2011 who were cancer-free by the age of six. In this analysis, we included 894 control participants and performed high-resolution metabolomics analyses in their neonatal dried blood spots, where we extracted cotinine [mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) = 177.1023] and hydroxycotinine (m/z = 193.0973). Potential predictors of smoking were selected from California birth certificates. Logistic regression with stepwise backward selection was used to build a prediction model. Model performance was evaluated in a training sample, a bootstrapped sample, and an external validation sample. RESULTS: Out of seven predictor variables entered into the logistic model, five were selected by the stepwise procedure: maternal race/ethnicity, maternal education, child's birth year, parity, and child's birth weight. We calculated an overall discrimination accuracy of 0.72 and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.81 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.77, 0.84) in the training set. Similar accuracies were achieved in the internal (AUC 0.81, 95% CI 0.77, 0.84) and external (AUC 0.69, 95% CI 0.64, 0.74) validation sets. CONCLUSIONS: This easy-to-apply model may benefit future birth registry-based studies when there is missing maternal smoking information; however, some smoking status misclassification remains a concern when only variables from the birth certificate are used to predict maternal smoking.

Trend of incompleteness of the schooling and race/skin color maternal variables in the information system on live births in Brazil, 2012-2020 / Tendencia de incompletitud de las variables escolaridad incompleta y raza/color de piel materno en el sistema de información sobre nacidos vivos en Brasil, 2012-2020 / Tendência da incompletude das variáveis Escolaridade e Raça/cor da pele da mãe no Sistema de Informações sobre Nascidos Vivos do Brasil, 2012-2020

Objective: to analyze the trend of incompleteness of the variables of maternal education and skin color in the Live Birth Information System (Sinasc), in Brazil, between 2012 and 2020. Methods: ecological time series study of the incompleteness of maternal education and skin color for Brazil, regions and federation units, through joinpoint regression and calculation of annual percentage change (APC) and average annual percentage change. Results: a total of 26,112,301 births were registered in Brazil in the period. Brazil (APC = -8.1%) and the Southeast (APC = -19.5%) and Midwest regions (APC = -17.6%) decreased the incompleteness of maternal education; as for race/skin color, there was a downward trend for Brazil (APC = -8.2%) and all regions, except Northeast, and nine FUs and Federal District showed stationary trend. Conclusion: there was an improvement in filling out these variables in Sinasc, but with regional disparities, mainly for skin color.

Objetivo: analizar la tendencia de incompletitud de educación y raza/color de piel materna en el Sistema de Información de Nacidos Vivo (Sinasc), Brasil, entre 2012-2020. Métodos: estudio ecológico de serie temporal sobre la incompletitud de la educación y raza/color de piel materna para Brasil, regiones y unidades de la federación, a través de regresión de joinpoint y cálculo de cambio porcentual anual (APC) y cambio porcentual anual promedio. Resultados: se registraron 26.112.301 nacimientos en Brasil en el período. Brasil (APC = -8,1%) y regiones Sudeste (APC = -19,5%) y Centro-Oeste (APC = -17,6%) disminuirán la incompletud de la educación materna. En cuanto a raza/color de piel, hubo un descenso para Brasil (APC = -8,2%) y todas las regiones, excepto Nordeste, y nueve UF y Distrito Federal presentaron tendencia estacionaria. Conclusión:e llenado das variables en el Sinasc ha mejorado, pero con disparidades regionales, principalmente por raza/color de piel.

Objetivo: analisar a tendência da incompletude das variáveis Escolaridade e Raça/cor da pele da mãe no Sistema de Informações sobre Nascidos Vivos (Sinasc), Brasil, entre 2012 e 2020. Métodos: estudo ecológico de série temporal sobre a incompletude da Escolaridade e da Raça/cor da pele da mãe para o Brasil, suas macrorregiões e Unidades da Federação, pela regressão por joinpoint, e cálculo da variação percentual anual (VPA) e da variação percentual anual média. Resultados: foram registrados 26.112.301 nascimentos no Brasil, no período; no país (VPA = -8,1%) e em suas regiões Sudeste (VPA = -19,5%) e Centro-Oeste (VPA = -17,6%), houve redução da incompletude da escolaridade materna; quanto à raça/cor da pele da mãe, observou-se queda para o Brasil (VPA = -8,2%) e todas suas regiões, exceto a Nordeste, e nove UFs e o Distrito Federal com tendência estável. Conclusão: o preenchimento das variáveis no Sinasc melhorou, porém com disparidades regionais, principalmente quanto à raça/cor da pele.

Concordance of neonatal critical condition data between secondary databases: Florida and Texas birth certificate Linkage with medicaid analytic extract.

BACKGROUND: Limited information is available about neonates' critical conditions data quality. The study aim was to measure the agreement regarding presence of neonatal critical conditions between Medicaid Analytic eXtract claims data and Birth Certificate (BC) records. METHODS: Claims data files of neonates born between 1999-2010 and their mothers were linked to birth certificates in the states of Texas and Florida. In claims data, neonatal critical conditions were identified using medical encounter claims records within the first 30 days postpartum, while in birth certificates, the conditions were identified based on predetermined variables. We calculated the prevalence of cases within each data source that were identified by its comparator, in addition to calculating overall agreement and kappa statistics. RESULTS: The sample included 558,224 and 981,120 neonates in Florida and Texas, respectively. Kappa values show poor agreement (< 20%) for all critical conditions except neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, which showed moderate (> 50%) and substantial (> 60%) agreement in Florida and Texas, respectively. claims data resulted in higher prevalences and capture of a larger proportion of cases than the BC, except for assisted ventilation. CONCLUSIONS: Claims data and BC showed low agreement on neonatal critical conditions except for NICU admission. Each data source identified cases most of which the comparator failed to capture, with higher prevalences estimated within claims data except for assisted ventilation.

Industry and occupation in California birth certificates (1998-2019): Reporting disparities and classification codability.

BACKGROUND: Missing and noncodable parental industry and occupation (I/O) information on birth certificates (BCs) can bias analyses informing parental worksite exposures and family economic stability. METHODS: We used the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) software to code parental I/O in 1989-2019 California BC data (N = 21,739,406). We assessed I/O missingness and codability by reporting period, parental sex, race/ethnicity, age, and education. RESULTS: During 1989-2019, records missing I/O increased from 4.4% to 9.4%. I/O was missing more frequently from parents who were male (7.8% vs. 4.4%), Black or American Indian/Alaska Native (AIAN) (9.3% and 8.9% vs. 3.2%-4.7% in others), and had high school or less education (4.0%-5.9% vs. 1.4%-2.6% in others). Of records with I/O, less than 2% were noncodable by NIOSH software. Noncodable entries were more common for parents who were male (industry (1.9% vs. 1.0%); occupation (1.5% vs. 0.7%)), Asian/Pacific Islander (industry (2.4% vs. 1.2%-1.6% in other groups); occupation (1.7% vs. 0.7%-1.5% in other groups)), age 40 and older (industry (2.1% vs. 0.4%-1.7% in younger groups); occupation (1.7% vs. 0.3%-1.3% in younger groups)), and 4-year college graduates (industry (2.0% vs. 1.0%-1.9% in other groups); occupation (1.7% vs. 0.5%-1.4%)). CONCLUSIONS: In California BC, I/O missingness was systematically higher among parents who are male, Black, AIAN, less than 20 years old, and report no college education. I/O codability is high when information is reported, with small percentage disparities. Improving data collection is vital to equitably describe economic contexts that determine important family outcomes.

Maternal hepatitis C prevalence and trends by county, US: 2016-2020.

BACKGROUND: Trends in the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among women delivering live births may differ in rural vs. urban areas of the United States, but estimation of trends based on observed counts may lead to unstable estimates in rural counties due to small numbers. OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to use small area estimation methods to provide updated county-level prevalence estimates and, for the first time, trends in maternal HCV infection among live births by county-level rurality. METHODS: Cross-sectional natality data from 2016 to 2020 were used to estimate maternal hepatitis C prevalence using hierarchical Bayesian models with spatiotemporal random effects to produce annual county-level estimates of maternal HCV infection and trends over time. Models included a 6-level rural-urban county classification, year, maternal characteristics and county-specific covariates. Data were analysed in 2022. RESULTS: There were 90,764/18,905,314 live births (4.8 per 1000) with HCV infection reported on the birth certificate. Hepatitis C prevalence was higher among rural counties as compared to urban counties. Rural counties had the largest annual increases in maternal hepatitis C prevalence (per 1000 births) from 2016 to 2020 (micropolitan: 0.39; noncore: 0.40), with smaller increases among less densely populated urban counties (medium metro: 0.28; small metro: 0.28) and urban counties (large central metro:0.11; large fringe metro: 0.14). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of maternal HCV infection was the highest in rural counties, and rural counties saw the greatest average prevalence increase during 2016-2020. County-level data can help in monitoring rural-urban trends in maternal HCV infection to reduce geographic disparities.

Gestational age: comparing estimation methods and live births' profile / Gestational age: comparing estimation methods and live births' profile

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify factors associated with the definition of the gestational age (GA) estimation method recorded in the live birth certificate (LBC), and to compare the results obtained according to the method in the city of São Paulo (CSP), between 2012 and 2019. Methods: Cross-sectional population-based study using the Live Birth Information System. Descriptive and comparative analysis was performed according to the GA estimation method, followed by a univariate and multivariate logistic regression model to identify the predictor variables of the method used. Results: The estimation of GA by the date of the last menstrual period (LMP) (39.9%) was lower than that obtained by other methods (OM) (60.1%) — physical examination and ultrasound, between 2012-2019. LMP registration in the LBC increased with the mother's age, it was higher among women who were white, more educated and with partners, in cesarean sections and with private funding. In the logistic regression, public funding was 2.33 times more likely than private funding to use OM. The proportion of preterm infants (<37 weeks) with GA by LMP was 26.5% higher than that obtained by OM. Median birth weight was higher among preterm infants with GA estimated by LMP. Conclusion: Prematurity was higher with the GA estimated by LMP in the CSP, which may indicate overestimation by this method. The source of funding was the most explanatory variable for defining the GA estimator method at the LBC. The results point to the need for caution when comparing the GA obtained by different methods.

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar fatores associados à definição do método estimador da idade gestacional (IG) registrado na declaração de nascido vivo (DNV) e comparar os resultados obtidos segundo método no município de São Paulo, entre 2012 e 2019. Métodos: Estudo transversal de base populacional utilizando o Sistema de Informações sobre Nascidos Vivos. Realizou-se análise descritiva e comparativa segundo método de estimativa da IG, seguida de modelo de regressão logística uni e multivariada para identificar as variáveis preditoras do método utilizado. Resultados: A estimativa da IG pela data da última menstruação (DUM) (39,9%) foi inferior à obtida por outros métodos (OM) (60,1%) — exame físico e ultrassonografia, entre 2012-2019. O registro da DUM na DNV aumentou com a idade da mãe, foi maior entre as brancas, mais escolarizadas e com companheiro, nas cesarianas e nos partos realizados com financiamento privado. Na regressão logística, o financiamento público apresentou chance 2,33 vezes maior que o privado para uso de OM. A proporção de prematuros (<37 semanas) com IG pela DUM foi 26,5% maior do que a obtida por OM. A mediana de peso ao nascer foi maior entre prematuros com IG estimada pela DUM. Conclusão: A prematuridade foi mais elevada com a IG estimada pela DUM no MSP, o que pode indicar superestimação por este método. A fonte de financiamento foi a variável mais explicativa para definição do método estimador da IG na DNV. Os resultados apontam a necessidade de cautela ao comparar a IG obtida por métodos diferentes.

Tendência da incompletude das variáveis escolaridade e raça/cor da pele da mãe no Sistema de Informações sobre Nascidos Vivos do Brasil, 2012-2020 / Tendencia de incompletitud de las variables escolaridad y raza/color de piel materno en el sistema de información sobre nacidos vivos en Brasil, 2012-2020 / Trend of incompleteness of maternal schooling and race/skin color variables held on the Brazilian Live Birth Information System, 2012-2020

Objective: to analyze the trend of incompleteness of the maternal schooling and race/skin color variables held on the Brazilian Live Birth Information System (SINASC) between 2012 and 2020. Methods: this was an ecological time series study of the incompleteness of maternal schooling and race/skin color data for Brazil, its regions and Federative Units, by means of joinpoint regression and calculation of annual percentage change (APC) and average annual percentage change. Results: a total of 26,112,301 births were registered in Brazil in the period; incompleteness of maternal schooling data decreased for Brazil (APC = -8.1%) and the Southeast (APC = -19.5%) and Midwest (APC = -17.6%) regions; as for race/skin color, there was a downward trend for Brazil (APC = -8.2%) and all regions, except the Northeast region, while nine Federative Units and the Federal District showed a stationary trend. Conclusion: there was an improvement in filling out these variables on the SINASC, but with regional disparities, mainly for race/skin color.

Objetivo: analizar la tendencia de incompletitud de educación y raza/color de piel materna en el Sistema de Información de Nacidos Vivo (Sinasc), Brasil, entre 2012-2020. Métodos: estudio ecológico de serie temporal sobre la incompletitud de la educación y raza/color de piel materna para Brasil, regiones y Unidades de la Federación (UF), a través de regresión de joinpoint y cálculo de cambio porcentual anual (APC) y cambio porcentual anual promedio Resultados: se registraron 26.112.301 nacimientos en Brasil en el período. Brasil (APC = -8,1%) y regiones Sudeste (APC = -19,5%) y Centro-Oeste (APC = -17,6%) disminuirán la incompletud de la educación materna. En cuanto a raza/color de piel, hubo un descenso para Brasil (APC = -8,2%) y todas las regiones, excepto Nordeste, y nueve UF y Distrito Federal presentaron tendencia estacionaria. Conclusión: e llenado das variables en el Sinasc ha mejorado, pero con disparidades regionales, principalmente por raza/color de piel.

Objetivo: analisar a tendência da incompletude das variáveis escolaridade e raça/cor da pele da mãe no Sistema de Informações sobre Nascidos Vivos (Sinasc), Brasil, entre 2012 e 2020. Métodos: estudo ecológico de série temporal sobre a incompletude da escolaridade e da raça/cor da pele da mãe para o Brasil, suas macrorregiões e Unidades da Federação, pela regressão por joinpoint, e cálculo da variação percentual anual (VPA) e da variação percentual anual média. Resultados: foram registrados 26.112.301 nascimentos no Brasil, no período; no país (VPA = -8,1%) e em suas regiões Sudeste (VPA = -19,5%) e Centro-Oeste (VPA = -17,6%), houve redução da incompletude da escolaridade materna; quanto à raça/cor da pele da mãe, observou-se queda para o Brasil (VPA = -8,2%) e todas as suas regiões, exceto o Nordeste, e nove UFs e o Distrito Federal com tendência estável. Conclusão: o preenchimento das variáveis no Sinasc melhorou, porém com disparidades regionais, principalmente quanto à raça/cor da pele.

Birth registration coverage according to the sex of the head of household: an analysis of national surveys from 93 low- and middle-income countries.

BACKGROUND: Within-country inequalities in birth registration coverage (BRC) have been documented according to wealth, place of residence and other household characteristics. We investigated whether sex of the head of household was associated with BRC. METHODS: Using data from nationally-representative surveys (Demographic and Health Survey or Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey) from 93 low and middle-income countries (LMICs) carried out in 2010 or later, we developed a typology including three main types of households: male-headed (MHH) and female-led with or without an adult male resident. Using Poisson regression, we compared BRC for children aged less than 12 months living the three types of households within each country, and then pooled results for all countries. Analyses were also adjusted for household wealth quintiles, maternal education and urban-rural residence. RESULTS: BRC ranged from 2.2% Ethiopia to 100% in Thailand (median 79%) while the proportion of MHH ranged from 52.1% in Ukraine to 98.3% in Afghanistan (median 72.9%). In most countries the proportion of poor families was highest in FHH (no male) and lowest in FHH (any male), with MHH occupying an intermediate position. Of the 93 countries, in the adjusted analyses, FHH (no male) had significantly higher BRC than MHH in 13 countries, while in eight countries the opposite trend was observed. The pooled analyses showed t BRC ratios of 1.01 (95% CI: 1.00; 1.01) for FHH (any male) relative to MHH, and also 1.01 (95% CI: 1.00; 1.01) for FHH (no male) relative to MHH. These analyses also showed a high degree of heterogeneity among countries. CONCLUSION: Sex of the head of household was not consistently associated with BRC in the pooled analyses but noteworthy differences in different directions were found in specific countries. Formal and informal benefits to FHH (no male), as well as women's ability to allocate household resources to their children in FHH, may explain why this vulnerable group has managed to offset a potential disadvantage to their children.

Gestational weight gain in triplet pregnancies in the United States.

BACKGROUND: The Institute of Medicine has published national recommendations for optimal pregnancy weight gain ranges for singletons and twins but not for higher-order multiples. A common clinical resource suggests weight gain targets for triplet pregnancies, but they are based on a single, small study conducted over 20 years ago. OBJECTIVE: We sought to describe contemporary maternal weight gain patterns in triplet gestations in the United States, the weight gain patterns associated with good neonatal outcomes, and how these patterns compare with those of healthy twin pregnancies. STUDY DESIGN: We used data from 7705 triplet pregnancies drawn from the United States live birth and fetal death files (2012‒2018). We calculated total pregnancy weight gain as weight at delivery minus the prepregnancy weight. A good neonatal outcome was defined as delivery at ≥32 weeks' gestation of 3 liveborn infants weighing ≥1500 g with 5-minute Apgar scores of ≥3. We described the weight gain patterns of triplet pregnancies with good neonatal outcomes by calculating week-specific percentiles of the total weight gain distribution for deliveries at 32 to 37 weeks' gestation. For comparative purposes, we plotted these values against the percentiles of a previously published weight gain chart for monitoring and evaluating twin pregnancies from a referent cohort. RESULTS: Most participants were over weight (26%) or obese (30%), and 42% were normal weight or underweight. The 50th percentile (25th-75th) of total weight gain in triplet pregnancies was 17 (11-23) kg. As the body mass index category increased, the total weight gain declined: underweight or normal weight, median 19 (14-25) kg; overweight, 17 (12-23) kg; obese, 14 (7.7-20) kg. Approximately 46% of triplet pregnancies had a good neonatal outcome (n=3562). For underweight or normal weight triplet pregnancies with good neonatal outcomes, the 50th percentiles of weight gain at 32 weeks' and 36 weeks' gestation were 12.3 kg and 22.7 kg, respectively. The 10th and 90th percentiles were 12.3 kg and 32.7 kg, respectively, at 32 weeks, and 15.0 kg and 34.1 kg, respectively, at 36 weeks. Triplet pregnancies with prepregnancy overweight or obesity and a good neonatal outcome had lower weight gains. Compared with the reference values for pregnancy weight gain from a twin-specific weight gain chart, the median total weight gain in triplet pregnancies with good neonatal outcomes was approximately 3 to 5 kg more than twins, regardless of body mass index. CONCLUSION: Our study fills an important gap in understanding how much weight gain can be expected among triplet pregnancies by body mass index category. These descriptive data are a necessary first step to inform science-based triplet gestational weight gain guidelines. Additional research is needed to determine whether monitoring triplet pregnancy weight gain is useful for promoting healthy outcomes for pregnant individuals and children and what targets should be used to optimize maternal and neonatal health.

Sexual and/or gender minority disparities in obstetrical and birth outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Many sexual and/or gender minority individuals build families through pregnancy and childbirth, but it is unknown whether they experience different clinical outcomes than those who are not sexual and/or gender minority individuals. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate obstetrical and birth outcomes comparing couples who are likely sexual and/or gender minority patients compared with those who are not likely to be sexual and/or gender minority patients. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a population-based cohort study of live birth hospitalizations during 2016 to 2019 linked to birth certificates in California. California changed its birth certificate in 2016 to include gender-neutral fields such as "parent giving birth" and "parent not giving birth," with options for each role to specify "mother," "father," or "parent." We classified birthing patients in mother-mother partnerships and those who identified as a father in any partnership as likely sexual and/or gender minority and classified birthing patients in mother-father partnerships as likely not sexual and/or gender minority. We used multivariable modified Poisson regression models to estimate the risk ratios for associations between likely sexual and/or gender minority parental structures and outcomes. The models were adjusted for sociodemographic factors, comorbidities, and multifetal gestation selected by causal diagrams. We replicated the analyses after excluding multifetal gestations. RESULTS: In the final birthing patient sample, 1,483,119 were mothers with father partners, 2572 were mothers with mother partners, and 498 were fathers with any partner. Compared with birthing patients in mother-father partnerships, birthing patients in mother-mother partnerships experienced significantly higher rates of multifetal gestation (adjusted risk ratio, 3.9; 95% confidence interval, 3.4-4.4), labor induction (adjusted risk ratio, 1.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-1.3), postpartum hemorrhage (adjusted risk ratio, 1.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.3-1.6), severe morbidity (adjusted risk ratio, 1.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-1.8), and nontransfusion severe morbidity (adjusted risk ratio, 1.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-1.9). Severe morbidity was identified following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention "severe maternal morbidity" index. Gestational diabetes mellitus, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, cesarean delivery, preterm birth (<37 weeks' gestation), low birthweight (<2500 g), and low Apgar score (<7 at 5 minutes) did not significantly differ in the multivariable analyses. No outcomes significantly differed between father birthing patients in any partnership and birthing patients in mother-father partnerships in either crude or multivariable analyses, though the risk of multifetal gestation was nonsignificantly higher (adjusted risk ratio, 1.5; 95% confidence interval, 0.9-2.7). The adjusted risk ratios for the outcomes were similar after restriction to singleton gestations. CONCLUSION: Birthing mothers with mother partners experienced disparities in several obstetrical and birth outcomes independent of sociodemographic factors, comorbidities, and multifetal gestation. Birthing fathers in any partnership were not at a significantly elevated risk of any adverse obstetrical or birth outcome considered in this study.

Linkage Between 2 Information Systems: Combined Live Births and Food and Nutrition Surveillance as a Public Health Tool for Investigation of the Determinants of Obesity Among Children and Adolescents in Southern Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Childhood obesity has been growing steadily, at an earlier age, and currently comprises a public health issue. A number of studies have pointed to perinatal factors as possible determinants in the development of childhood obesity. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of perinatal factors on the development of obesity in children and adolescents in southern Brazil. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study in which a linkage was made between anthropometric data of children and adolescents aged 0 to 15 years who had been registered in the Food and Nutrition Surveillance System (SISVAN) from 2008 to 2016 and their perinatal data registered in the Live Birth Information System (SINASC) from 2000 to 2014. The SINASC was used to extract maternal covariables (age, schooling, marital status), prenatal variables (parity and number of prenatal visits), and perinatal variables (type of delivery, sex, and birth weight). Variables such as age, inclusion in the Bolsa Família income transfer program, and the number of anthropometric evaluations were extracted from SISVAN. RESULTS: The sample comprised 537 children and adolescents. The median age was 8 years (interquartile range: 2-11 years). The prevalence of obesity was 15.1%. Poisson regression revealed a higher risk of obesity in children born via cesarean delivery (relative risk [RR] = 1.48; 95% CI: 1.01-2.17), children of primiparous mothers (RR = 1.72; 95% CI: 1.16-2.53), girls (RR = 1.77; 95% CI:1.21-2.60), and those aged between 5 and 9 years (RR = 26.8; 95% CI: 3.75-191.55) and older than 10 years (RR = 20.74; 95% CI: 2.89-148.61). CONCLUSIONS: The linkage between SINASC and SISVAN allowed identification of prenatal and perinatal risk factors for the development of childhood obesity. These findings should contribute to the development of health promotion and prevention policies.

Birth registration policies in the United States and their relevance to sexual and/or gender minority families: Identifying existing strengths and areas of improvement.

Birth certificates are some of the most critical identity documents available to current residents of the United States, yet sexual and gender minority (SGM) parents frequently face barriers in obtaining accurate documents for their children. It is essential for SGM parents to have accurate birth certificates for their children at the time of birth registration so that they do not experience undue burden in raising their children and establishing their status as legal parents. In this analysis, we focused on the birth registration process in the US as they apply to SGM family-building and the assignation of parentage on birth certificates at the time of a child's birth. We utilized keyword-based search criteria to identify, collect, and tabulate official state policies related to birth registration. Birth registration policies rely on gendered, heteronormative assumptions about the sex and gender of a child's parents in all but three states when identifying the birthing person and in all but eight states when identifying the non-birthing person. We found additional barriers for SGM parents who give birth outside of a marriage or legal union. These barriers leave SGM parents particularly vulnerable to inaccuracies on their children's identity documents and incomplete recognition of their parental roles and rights. Existing birth registration policies also do little to ensure the inclusion of diverse family structures in administrative data collection. There are many ways to modify existing birth registration policies and enhance the inclusion of SGM parents within governmental administrative structures. We conclude with suggestions to improve upon existing birth registration systems by de-linking parental sex and gender from birthing role, parental role, and contribution to the pregnancy.

Deconstructing tradition: Trans reproduction and the need to reform birth registration in England and Wales.

Background: Trans reproduction is often met with reproach when compared with the norm of the cisgender, heterosexual, nuclear family (referred to here as the 'traditional' family). This is notably seen in birth registration where a 'traditional' family is more likely to access, and agree with, the terms provided on the birth certificate (that is, 'mother' and 'father'). Aims: This study aimed to explore the differential treatment between 'traditional' and trans families in England and Wales within birth registration in case law, legislation, and primary research. Methods: Case law and legislation were analyzed to identify any differential treatment within birth registration, particularly how parental statuses are ascribed. An online survey (with 310 responses) was conducted, seeking views on constructions of 'mothers', respondents' reactions to trans families, and understandings of sex/gender and parenthood generally. Results: Themes developed from the survey data focused on the significance of the 'traditional' family as the optimal structure, manifesting in the need to ensure 'coherency and certainty' of the birth registration system regarding how parents should be registered. This need for coherency and certainty functioned to undermine trans families (who were presumed to be discreet about their child's conception), and also raised concerns that the child might not be able to locate their (biogenetic) 'origins'. Discussion: The paper concludes by discussing the implications of the research for the acceptance of trans families in law and society, and suggests the need to unmoor the birth registration system from its (cis-hetero)normative underpinnings, allowing trans parents to be registered as they wish on the birth certificate.

National registries of congenital anomalies in the world: historical and operational aspects / Registros nacionales de anomalías congénitas en el mundo: aspectos históricos y operativos / Registros nacionais de anomalias congênitas no mundo: aspectos históricos e operacionais

Objective: To identify registries of congenital anomalies with national coverage existing around the world, highlighting its main historical and operational characteristics. Methods: Document review of literature on the Medline/Pubmed database and data from reports, official documents and websites. Works relating at least one national register were included. Results: 40 national registries of congenital anomalies were identified in 39 different countries. All registries included in the study were located in high- or uppermiddle-income countries, with a concentration in Europe. Most of the registries were population-based, with mandatory notification and time limit of notification of up to one year of age. The Brazilian registry presented the highest annual coverage. Conclusion: The registries discussed here presented different characteristics, which were related to the reality of each country. The presented results provide subsidies for surveillance of congenital anomalies, especially in places that wish to implement such an activity.

Objetivo: Identificar registros de anomalias congênitas com cobertura nacional existentes no mundo, destacando suas principais características históricas e operacionais. Métodos: Revisão documental, mediante busca na base Medline/Pubmed e consulta a dados provenientes de relatórios, documentos oficiais e sítios eletrônicos. Foram incluídos trabalhos com relato de pelo menos um registro nacional. Resultados: Identificou-se 40 registros nacionais de anomalias congênitas em 39 países diferentes. Todos os registros incluídos no estudo localizavam-se em países de renda alta ou média superior, com concentração na Europa. A maior parte dos registros foi de base populacional, de notificação compulsória e com tempo limite para notificação de até um ano de idade. O registro brasileiro apresentou a maior cobertura anual. Conclusão: Os registros discutidos apresentaram características diversas, relacionadas à realidade de cada país. Os resultados apresentados fornecem subsídios para a temática da vigilância das anomalias congênitas, sobretudo em locais onde se deseja implementar tal atividade.

Operational Challenges in the Use of Structured Secondary Data for Health Research.

Background: In Brazil, secondary data for epidemiology are largely available. However, they are insufficiently prepared for use in research, even when it comes to structured data since they were often designed for other purposes. To date, few publications focus on the process of preparing secondary data. The present findings can help in orienting future research projects that are based on secondary data. Objective: Describe the steps in the process of ensuring the adequacy of a secondary data set for a specific use and to identify the challenges of this process. Methods: The present study is qualitative and reports methodological issues about secondary data use. The study material was comprised of 6,059,454 live births and 73,735 infant death records from 2004 to 2013 of children whose mothers resided in the State of São Paulo - Brazil. The challenges and description of the procedures to ensure data adequacy were undertaken in 6 steps: (1) problem understanding, (2) resource planning, (3) data understanding, (4) data preparation, (5) data validation and (6) data distribution. For each step, procedures, and challenges encountered, and the actions to cope with them and partial results were described. To identify the most labor-intensive tasks in this process, the steps were assessed by adding the number of procedures, challenges, and coping actions. The highest values were assumed to indicate the most critical steps. Results: In total, 22 procedures and 23 actions were needed to deal with the 27 challenges encountered along the process of ensuring the adequacy of the study material for the intended use. The final product was an organized database for a historical cohort study suitable for the intended use. Data understanding and data preparation were identified as the most critical steps, accounting for about 70% of the challenges observed for data using. Conclusion: Significant challenges were encountered in the process of ensuring the adequacy of secondary health data for research use, mainly in the data understanding and data preparation steps. The use of the described steps to approach structured secondary data and the knowledge of the potential challenges along the process may contribute to planning health research.

Birth, stillbirth and death registration data completeness, quality and utility in population-based surveys: EN-INDEPTH study.

BACKGROUND: Birth registration is a child's first right. Registration of live births, stillbirths and deaths is foundational for national planning. Completeness of birth registration for live births in low- and middle-income countries is measured through population-based surveys which do not currently include completeness of stillbirth or death registration. METHODS: The EN-INDEPTH population-based survey of women of reproductive age was undertaken in five Health and Demographic Surveillance System sites in Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau and Uganda (2017-2018). In four African sites, we included new/modified questions regarding registration for 1177 stillbirths and 11,881 livebirths (1333 neonatal deaths and 10,548 surviving the neonatal period). Questions were evaluated for completeness of responses, data quality, time to administer and estimates of registration completeness using descriptive statistics. Timing of birth registration, factors associated with non-registration and reported barriers were assessed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. RESULTS: Almost all women, irrespective of their baby's survival, responded to registration questions, taking an average of < 1 min. Reported completeness of birth registration was 30.7% (6.1-53.5%) for babies surviving the neonatal period, compared to 1.7% for neonatal deaths (0.4-5.7%). Women were able to report age at birth registration for 93.6% of babies. Non-registration of babies surviving the neonatal period was significantly higher for home-born children (aOR 1.43 (95% CI 1.27-1.60)) and in Dabat (Ethiopia) (aOR 4.11 (95% CI 3.37-5.01)). Other socio-demographic factors associated with non-registration included younger age of mother, more prior births, little or no education, and lower socio-economic status. Neonatal death registration questions were feasible (100% women responded; only 1% did not know), revealing extremely low completeness with only 1.2% of neonatal deaths reported as registered. Despite > 70% of stillbirths occurring in facilities, only 2.5% were reported as registered. CONCLUSIONS: Questions on birth, stillbirth and death registration were feasible in a household survey. Completeness of birth registration is low in all four sites, but stillbirth and neonatal death registration was very low. Closing the registration gap amongst facility births could increase registration of both livebirths and facility deaths, including stillbirths, but will require co-ordination between civil registration systems and the often over-stretched health sector. Investment and innovation is required to capture birth and especially deaths in both facility and community systems.

Born on U.S. Soil: Access to Healthcare for Neonates of Non-Citizens.

INTRODUCTION: The 14th amendment of the United States (US) Constitution guarantees citizenship to infants born in the US. With documentation of citizenship, typically through a birth certificate, neonates gain official identity and the opportunity to qualify for services like healthcare. Most guidance on caring for immigrant children assumes that access to health care is guaranteed for babies born in the US. In practice, some infants born to non-citizen mothers face barriers in obtaining services fundamental to neonatal health. METHODS: We conducted a review of the literature to identify articles on access to care for infants born to non-citizen mothers in the US. Because of the scarcity of relevant peer-reviewed published literature on this topic, the search was broadened to grey literature including news articles, online articles, and legal reviews. Using these aggregated sources, we created a framework for understanding maternal immigration status and barriers to healthcare for neonates born in the US. We discuss risk factors from the public health, historical and ethical perspectives. RESULTS: Barriers exist for some mother-infant dyads in obtaining services such as healthcare, health insurance and supplemental nutrition programs. At-risk dyads include neonates of undocumented immigrants and birth tourists as well as neonates born to women on visas. The impact of these barriers on health-seeking behaviors, access to care, and health outcomes for these neonates is largely unknown. DISCUSSION: The framework for understanding challenges of non-citizen mothers and their infants that we present in this article provides a resource for physicians and public health professionals serving this population. That much of the literature exists outside of healthcare highlights the need for more scholarly work on this problem. Future research will better inform advocacy and public health efforts to protect this vulnerable population of newborn citizens and their mothers.

Incompleteness and inaccuracies in Certificates of Live Birth in a city in Southern Brazil / Incompletudes e incorreções nas Declarações de Nascidos Vivos em um município no Sul do Brasil

ABSTRACT: Objective: To evaluate inadequacies in Certificates of Live Birth in a city in Southern Brazil between 2011 and 2015. Methods: This is a retrospective quantitative study based on Certificates of Live Birth of mothers living in Itapema, Santa Catarina, issued from 2011 to 2015, using data from the Live Birth Information System. Results: Among 3,537 certificates, we found no mistakes in the variables newborn's sex, birth weight, maternal age, type of pregnancy, and type of delivery. Concerning incompleteness, the variable "cesarean section was performed before the start of labor" had a mean rate considered poor, while occupation was classified as good (above 6%), neighborhood as excellent (between 0.8 and 4.5%), and induction also as excellent (0.7 to 2.9%). Inaccuracies were greater in the ethnicity (up to 0.7%) and neighborhood (up to 1.3%) variables, both considered excellent. In the comparison between sections, the pregnancy and childbirth section was the most incomplete. Conclusion: Data completeness in Certificates of Live Birth was considered excellent for most variables, and the classification of inaccuracies was excellent for all variables, evidencing the quality of the information found in these certificates.

RESUMO: Objetivo: Avaliar inadequações nas declarações de nascidos de um município do Sul do Brasil entre 2011 e 2015. Métodos: Quantitativo retrospectivo a partir das Declarações de Nascidos Vivos de mães com residência em Itapema, Santa Catarina, no período de 2011 a 2015, utilizando os dados do Sistema de Informação de Nascidos Vivos. Resultados: Em 3.537 declarações, não foram encontradas falhas nas variáveis sexo e peso do recém-nascido, idade da mãe, tipo de gravidez e tipo de parto. Sobre incompletudes, a variável "cesárea ocorreu antes do trabalho de parto iniciar" teve classificação média como ruim; ocupação, como bom (acima 6%); bairro (entre 0,8 e 4,5%), como excelente; e indução (0,7 a 2,9%), também como excelente. As incorreções apresentadas foram maiores nas variáveis raça/cor (até 0,7%) e bairro (até 1,3%), ambas classificadas como excelente. Na comparação entre seções, gestação e parto apresentaram maiores incompletudes. Conclusão: A completude dos dados das Declarações de Nascidos Vivos foi considerada excelente na maior parte das variáveis, e a classificação das incorreções resultou em excelente para todas as variáveis, evidenciando a qualidade das informações dessas declarações.

Análise da taxa de cesarianas: estudo comparativo entre duas maternidades públicas no estado do Rio de Janeiro / Cesarean section rate analysis: comparative study between two public maternity hospitals in the state of Rio de Janeiro

Objetivo: Comparar a taxa de cesarianas em duas maternidades públicas no estado do Rio de Janeiro, denominadas Maternidades A e B. Métodos: Foram extraídos das Declarações de Nascido Vivo (DNVs) dados sobre partos ocorridos no período de agosto a outubro de 2018, sendo realizada a classificação deles nos grupos de Robson. Foi possível identificar as características da população atendida e os grupos de maior representatividade que contribuíram para a taxa de cesarianas. Resultados: A idade média geral das puérperas em estudo foi de 25,7 anos. Verificou-se que ambas as maternidades apresentam taxas de cesarianas elevadas (a Maternidade A apresentou 46,4% e a Maternidade B, 34,4%), sendo a taxa geral do estudo de 40,1%. Analisando as características da população de ambas as maternidades, a maioria atendida na Maternidade A é representada por nulíparas com feto único e a termo (grupo 2 = 21,1%), e a Maternidade B é representada, em sua maioria, por multíparas, sem cesárea prévia, com feto único e a termo (grupo 3 = 22,9%). O grupo 2 foi o que mais contribuiu para a taxa geral de cesariana em ambas as maternidades, após o grupo de pacientes com pelo menos uma cesárea prévia (grupo 5), sendo 26% na Maternidade A e 33,1% na Maternidade B. Conclusão: Foi possível concluir que ambas as maternidades em estudo apresentaram taxas de cesarianas menores que a nacional, porém muito acima do recomendado pela Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS). Ambas apresentaram valores consideráveis de preenchimento inadequado das DNVs.(AU)

Objective: To compare the cesarean section rate in two public maternity hospitals in the state of Rio de Janeiro, called maternity hospitals A and B. Methods: Data from Certificates of Live Births (DNVs) occurred during the period from August to October 2018 were extracted and their classification was performed in Robson's groups. Through this classification it was possible to identify the characteristics of the population served and the most representative groups that contributed to the cesarean section rate. Results: The overall average age of the puerperal women under study was 25.7 years. Both maternities showed higher caesarean section rates (Maternity A had a rate of 46.4% and Maternity B 34.4%), with the overall study rate of 40.1%. Analyzing the characteristics of the population of both maternities, the majority attended at Maternity A is represented by nulliparous women with single and full-term fetuses (group 2 = 21.1%), and Maternity B is mostly represented by multiparous women, without previous cesarean section, with single and full-term fetus (group 3 = 22.9%). It was group 2 that most contributed to the overall cesarean section rate after the group of patients with at least one previous cesarean section (group 5), being 26% in Maternity A and 33.1% in Maternity B. Conclusion: It was concluded that both maternity hospitals under study had caesarean section rates lower than the national rate, but much higher than recommended by World Health Organization (WHO). In addition, both presented considerable values of inadequate filling of DNVs.(AU)

Incompleteness and inaccuracies in declarations of live births in a city in southern Brazil. / Incompletudes e incorreções nas declarações de nascidos vivos em um município no sul do Brasil

Objective: to evaluate inadequacies in declarations of people born in a city in the south of Brazil between 2011-2015. Method: retrospective quantitative from the declarations of live births of mothers living in Itapema, Santa Catarina in the period from 2011 to 2015 using data from the Live Birth Information System. Results: in 3,537 statements, no errors were found in the variables sex and birth weight, mother's age, type of pregnancy and type of delivery. Regarding incompleteness, the cesarean section occurred before labor began to have an average rating of bad, occupation as good (above 6%), neighborhood (between 0.8 and 4.5%) and induction (0.7% to 2.9%) both classified as excellent. The inaccuracies were greater in the color / race variables of up to 0.7% and neighborhood up to 1.3%, both classified as excellent. In the comparison between intervals, pregnancy and childbirth, more incomplete. Conclusions: the completeness of data on live birth declarations was considered excellent in most variables, and the classification of inaccuracies resulted in excellent for all variables, evidencing the quality of information on declarations of live birth.  

Objetivo: avaliar inadequações nas declarações de nascidos de um município do Sul do Brasil entre 2011-2015. Método: quantitativo retrospectivo a partir das declarações de nascidos vivos de mães com residência em Itapema, Santa Catarina no período de 2011 a 2015 utilizando os dados do Sistema de Informação de Nascidos Vivos. Resultados: em 3.537 declarações não foram encontradas falhas nas variáveis sexo e peso do recém-nascido, idade da mãe, tipo de gravidez e tipo de parto. Sobre incompletudes a variável cesárea ocorreu antes do trabalho de parto iniciar teve classificação média como ruim, ocupação como bom (acima 6%), bairro (entre 0,8 e 4,5%) e indução (0,7% a 2,9%), ambas classificadas como excelente.  As incorreções apresentadas foram maiores nas variáveis raça/cor de até 0,7% e bairro até 1,3%, ambas classificadas como excelente. Na comparação entre seções, gestação e parto apresentaram maiores incompletudes. Conclusões: a completude dos dados das declarações de nascido vivo foi considerada excelente na maior parte das variáveis e a classificação das incorreções resultou em excelente para todas as variáveis, evidenciando a qualidade das informações das declarações de nascido vivo.