Using statistical process control charts for monitoring birth weight at a national level

Abstract

Birth weight is a key public health indicator that needs to be monitored regularly. However, in the United Arab and worldwide, there is currently no systematic procedure for monitoring shifts or trends in the mean and variability of birth weight at a national level. For this purpose, it is proposed to use statistical process control charts (SPC). This is illustrated through developing SPC charts for monitoring the birth weight of UAE nationals. The developed control charts indicated that the birth weight of UAE nationals is in statistical control. The national mean birth weight, standard deviation of birth weights, percentage of low birth weight, and percentage of high birth weight were estimated to be 3.208 kg, 0.445 kg, 5.59%, and 0.19%, respectively.