Using Statistical Process Control Charts for Monitoring Birth Weight at a National Level

Jawahir Abdalla Alali

Dubai Electicity & Water Authority Sharjah, UAE

Mariam Salim Khalfan Alalili

315-445 Vigerv west, Montreal, Canada

Hamdi Bashir and Fikri Dweiri

Department of Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management,

University of Sharjah Sharjah, UAE

Amal Yousuf Al-Kubaisi

Qatar General Electricity &Water Cooperation Doha, Qatar

QC 32

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. 

Keywords—

Health care; birth weight; control charts