Low birth weight linked with risk of abuse study

LONDON, Mar 15 (Reuters) Premature and low birth-weight babies seem to have a higher risk of suffering from abuse and neglect, scientists said today.

In a study of 120,000 children born in southeast England from 1983-2001, researchers from the University of Warwick found that the lower the birth weight, the more likely a child would be placed on a protection register.

''It confirms previous work that suggests an association between low birth weight and child abuse and neglect,'' said the university's Professor Nick Spencer.

Children put on the protection register include those who have been physically and/or emotionally abused or neglected and youngsters who have not been harmed but who live in a household with a registered sex offender.

Spencer added that the study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health showed that the risk of abuse is graded, so the lower the birth weight and gestation, or time in the womb, the higher the risk.

''We are able to demonstrate that this risk falls as you get nearer to what is called the optimum birth weight, somewhere between 3,500-4,500 grams (7.6 to 9.8 lbs),'' Spencer added in an interview.

The researchers do not know why being born small seems to raise the risk of being abused but Spencer said tiny babies may be more difficult to handle and could increase parental frustration.

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