Abstract

Teen mothers often have a higher proportion of low birthweight babies than do mothers in the 20 to 39 year age group. There is a significant concentration of high low birthweight rates for teen mothers in Atlantic Canada. Areas with very high 1996 low birthweight rates (8.0% and grater) are most commonly found in Quebec and Ontario.

Low birthweight (LBW) is a health status indicator, and is defined as babies born with weight under 2500 grams. The proportion of low birthweight babies born to mothers 15 years of age and older indicates the health and well-being of a population. Health status refers to the state of health of a person or group, and measures causes of sickness and death. It can also include people’s assessment of their own health.