Trends of neural tube defects in urban China and effects of socio-demographic factors, 2013-2022: a descriptive analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Periconceptional folic acid supplementation has progressively reduced the prevalence of neural tube defects (NTDs) in rural Northern China, which had a high baseline. Long-term epidemiological trends have not been comprehensively assessed in urban China with a lower baseline.

Methods

Data from a hospital-based birth-defect surveillance system in Haidian District between 2013 and 2022 were used. The prevalence of NTDs by different characteristics was analysed. χ², Pearson's tests and Joinpoint regression analyses were used to compare the prevalence of NTDs by year and explore trends.

Results

363 732 births and 258 NTDs were recorded in Beijing's Haidian District from 2013 to 2022. NTD prevalence did not change significantly: it decreased in the fi

SUBMITTER: Cheng X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12273093 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature