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Ethnicity and obstetric performance in Singapore

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 July 2008

O. A. C. Viegas ,
W. P. Leong ,
Y. T. Chia ,
S. C. Yeoh  and
S. S. Ratnam
O. A. C. Viegas
Affiliation:
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University Hospital, Singapore
W. P. Leong
Affiliation:
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University Hospital, Singapore
Y. T. Chia
Affiliation:
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University Hospital, Singapore
S. C. Yeoh
Affiliation:
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University Hospital, Singapore
S. S. Ratnam
Affiliation:
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University Hospital, Singapore
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Summary

The influence of ethnicity on obstetric performance in Singapore was assessed by retrospective analysis of all deliveries in the National University Hospital over a 7-year period. Malay mothers were younger, shorter, less educated, of higher parity, were more likely to have had no antenatal care, and had the highest incidence of premature labour. However, mothers of Indian origin had the smallest babies, the highest incidence of low birth weight and significantly higher perinatal mortality rates. Chinese mothers fared better than their Malay and Indian counterparts in all parameters assessed. The ethnic origin of the mother has an important bearing on perinatal performance. This emphasises the importance of designing appropriate strategies to improve perinatal health in the different ethnic groups.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Biosocial Science , Volume 27 , Issue 2 , April 1995 , pp. 151 - 162
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1995

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