Exploring health inequalities in the Born in Bradford birth cohort study

Neil Small,Professor of Health Research,

School of Health Studies, University of Bradford

N.A.Small@bradford.ac.ukhttp://www.brad.ac.uk/health/research/research-staff-profiles/neil-small.php

Infant Mortality RateBradford 3 year rolling averages

Infant Mortality Rate by Quintiles of Deprivation in Bradford

Rates nearly double in more deprived areas and rates within Pakistani Community higher than Bradford district rate

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

1993

-199

7

1994

-199

8

1995

-199

9

1996

-200

0

1997

-200

1

1998

-200

2

1999

-200

3

2000

-200

4

2001

-200

5

2002

-200

6

2003

-200

7

2004

-200

8

2005

-200

9

Rat

e pe

r 100

0 liv

e bi

rths

Most deprived

2nd most deprived

3rd most deprived

2nd least deprived

Least deprived

Born in Bradford

A birth cohort study comprising babies born in the city between 2007 and 2011: Mothers 12453: pregnancies 13776 : fathers 3448: babies 13818

Half the babies born into the most deprived quintile of the UK’s population.

Comparing white British and Pakistani origin families.

• Different patterns of health related behavior

• Birth weight and growth – Pakistani origin infants lighter and shorter at birth. Catch up by age 2

• SIDS – 4 times less likely in Pakistani babies

• Birth defects/ congenital anomalies – cousin marriage doubles prevalence from 3 to 6% in Bradford

• Diabetes in pregnancy and low levels of vitamin D higher in Pakistani mothers

Similarities in the cohort

• Similar take up of antenatal care

• Considerable obesity in pregnant women.

• Levels of initiating and sustaining breast feeding low

• High levels of eczema, asthma and allergies

• High levels of acrylamide in diets of pregnant women

• High levels of health problems identified by teachers when children start school

• High levels of physical inactivity in children

• Similarities in reported levels of positive attitudes to living in the city.

Interventions – education/ information + projects

• Advice to health professionals re appropriate growth rates

• SIDS – what is high risk behaviour

• Health education/ promotion re cousin marriage + accurate data collection + plan care provision

• Diabetes / vitamin D – pre and early pregnancy advice

• Avoid chips and crisps.• Air quality – information to

Public Health• Improved communication

schools/health services• Open up playgrounds – PiP

project• Parenting programmes for

those at high risk re obesity

www.borninbradford.nhs.uk