The effect of low birth weight on height, weight and behavioral outcomes in the medium-run

A number of studies have documented negative long term effects of low birth weight. Yet, not much is known about the dynamics of the process leading to adverse health and educational outcomes in the long run. While previous studies focusing mainly on LBW effects on physical growth and cognitive outcomes have found effects of the same size at both school age and young adulthood, others have found a diminishing negative effect over time. The purpose of this paper was to bring new evidence to this issue by analyzing the medium run effects of low birth weight on child behavioral outcomes as well as physical growth at ages 6 months, 3½, 7½ and 11 years using data from the Danish Longitudinal Survey of Children. Observing the same children at different points in time enabled us to chart the evolution of anthropometric and behavioral deficits among children born with low birth weight and helped understanding the nature and timing of interventions.

► Differences in height and weight between low birth weight children and normal birth weight children decrease the most between 6 months and 3½ years. ► Moderately low birth weight male children continue converging in height and weight at older ages. ► Behavioral problems at school starting age are different for low birth weight male and female children. ► Behavioral difficulties are found largely within the very low birth weight group.