Abstract

“Low birthweight (LBW), defined as newborns with a birthweight below 2,500g, is associated with high infant mortality and various morbidities. Certain immigrant groups were found to have higher risks of LBW (i.e., “immigrant disadvantage”), while others may have fewer LBW events (i.e., “healthy immigrant paradox”). This population-based study examines which notion applies to Hong Kong. Using 2006-2020 singleton live birth data in Hong Kong, I examined the prevalence, socioeconomic determinants, and spatial patterns of LBW among natives and immigrant subgroups in Hong Kong. Results showed an increasing trend of LBW events from 2006 to 2020. Marked heterogeneities of prevalence, socioeconomic determinants and spatial patterns of LBW were observed across the study groups. Moving beyond the dichotomy of “immigrant disadvantage” and “immigrant health paradox” and consideration of the compositions of immigrants in evaluating the epidemiology of LBW are necessary and warranted. Location-specific health intervention should be targeted to the vulnerable population subgroups to mitigate the increasing trend of LBW events.”