Temperature and Male Birth Proportions in New Zealand
Author Information
Author(s): Dixson Barnaby J., Haywood John, Lester Philip J., Ormsby Diane K.
Primary Institution: Victoria University of Wellington
Hypothesis
Does ambient temperature predict fluctuations in the proportion of male births in New Zealand?
Conclusion
Ambient temperatures were not related to the proportion of male births or stillbirths in New Zealand.
Supporting Evidence
- No significant relationship was observed between male birth rates and mean annual temperature.
- A declining trend in the proportion of male stillbirths was observed throughout the data.
- Monthly temperature anomalies did not affect the proportion of male births.
Takeaway
The study looked at whether warmer weather leads to more baby boys being born in New Zealand, but found no connection.
Methodology
Time series analyses were conducted using historical data from 1876 to 2009.
Potential Biases
Concerns regarding the accuracy of birth registrations, especially for Maori populations.
Limitations
Potential inaccuracies in birth registrations prior to 1961 may affect results.
Participant Demographics
Data included all ethnic groups in New Zealand, with historical records from European settlers.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p≥0.187
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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