< Arkansas Reproductive Health Monitoring System

Arkansas Birth Defects Statistics

The birth defect statistics presented reflect selected common birth defects among Arkansas residents. Data are collected through population‑based active surveillance and are derived from hospital medical records that are systematically reviewed and validated by a specialized team of health information management professionals.

Birth Defects Stats in Arkansas: Birth defects occur in about 3% of all births. Arkansas birth defect registry, ARHMS, has been collecting data and monitoring major structural and chromosomal defects in the state since 1980s. The statistics shown here are based on the most recent available data of five years. The case numbers and prevalence are 5-year average. All birth outcomes are included. Prevalence is calculated over 10,000 live births.

Summary of Selected Birth Defects in Arkansas

Birth defects by body systems: Congenital heart defects are the most common defects. They account for more than one third of all birth defects ARHMS collects and monitors. The second largest group is genitourinary defects about 22%. Case numbers and prevalence are shown as below.

Common birth defects by gender: Many defects have gender differences in prevalence. Overall, male infants have higher prevalence than females. For specific defects, higher prevalence may be observed in females. Hypospadias is a birth defect of only males.

Common birth defects by maternal race/ethnicity: Prevalence of birth defects has racial discrepancy. Overall, infants born to non-Hispanic (NH) White mothers have highest prevalence. Though certain specific birth defects may show higher prevalence in NH-Blacks, Blacks tends to have relatively lowers prevalence compared to other racial groups. 

Common birth defects by maternal age: Difference in prevalence also observed in different maternal age groups. Overall, higher prevalence is associated with older maternal age. For instance, the prevalence of Down syndrome is significantly higher in the age group of 35 years and older.

Common birth defects by public health regions: There is variation in geographic distribution of birth defects in AR. Counties are divided into five public health regions. The central region has the highest prevalence in most selected common birth defects. Prevalence of common birth defects by AR regions are shown as below.

Mother and Infant

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ARHMS proudly supports scientific research and public health initiatives focused on understanding, preventing, and improving outcomes related to birth defects. We actively encourage collaboration with researchers, public health professionals, and policymakers and are committed to contributing high-quality data to advance knowledge of causes, trends, and prevention strategies.

If you are interested in accessing ARHMS data or learning more about our resources, we welcome your inquiry. Data requests may be submitted through the link below, and our team is available to provide detailed guidance on the request process and data use requirements.

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