Association of Economic and Medical Development and Birth Policy Changes with Low Birth Weight Rate in China

Objective This study aimed to investigate trends in the low birth weight (LBW) rate in China and to examine its association with economic and medical development, as well as birth policy changes. Methods Data were obtainedfrom the China Health Statistical Yearbook and China Statistical Yearbook for the period 2010–2021. Besides the LBW rates, 9 independent variables were also extracted, including gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, indicators of medical resource allocation, health policy, and public/maternal-child health care metrics. Joinpoint regression was employed to analyze temporal trends in LBW rates, while Tobit regression analyses were used to assess associations between socio-economic variables and LBW rates. Results From 2010 to 2021, the national low birth weight (LBW) rate exhibited a fluctuating upward trend, with accelerated growth after 2016. Regionally, the LBW rates in Eastern and Central China were largely consistent with the national trend, whereas the rate in Western China remained relatively stable. Analysis of economic indicators revealed a U-shaped association between GDP per capita and LBW rates (P < 0.05), characterized by an initial decline followed by a significant increase. Moreover, government health expenditure per capita, social health expenditure per capita, average daily patient load per physician, and infectious disease incidence were significantly positively correlated with LBW rates. Conversely, the number of obstetrics and gynecology beds was inversely correlated with LBW rates (P < 0.05). Conclusions From 2010–2021, China’s LBW rate exhibited a fluctuating upward trajectory, influenced not only by socioeconomic status and medical resource allocation, but also by health policy interventions and the implementation efficacy of public health initiatives.