Prevalence of hypospadias in newborns in tropical province of China: A cross-sectional population-based study, 2014–2023

Hypospadias is among the most prevalent urogenital malformations in newborns exhibiting significant global variations in prevalence. However, there is a notable scarcity of epidemiological data regarding this condition in Hainan. The aim of the current study was to determine and analyze the prevalence of hypospadias in the tropical province over the past decade. Data from the China Maternal and Child Health Surveillance System of Hainan (2014-2023) were utilized to calculate the prevalence rates of hypospadias, stratified by birth year, maternal age, and maternal residence. During the study period, a total of 304 cases of hypospadias were identified among 549,833 births, resulting in a prevalence rate of 5.53 per 10,000 births over the past 10 years in Hainan. The overall prevalence increased from 3.15 to 8.36 per 10,000 births. Significant variations were observed across different maternal age groups: less than 20 years (5.12 per 10,000), 20 to 24 years (3.84 per 10,000), 25 to 29 years (5.31 per 10,000), 30 to 34 years (7.00 per 10,000), and 35 years or older (5.68/per 10,000). However, no statistically significant differences were found in the prevalence of hypospadias based on maternal residence, with urban areas showing a prevalence of 6.08 per 10,000 compared with 4.84 per 10,000 in rural areas. Our data indicate that the prevalence of hypospadias was 5.53 per 10,000 from 2014 to 2023, exhibiting distinct temporal and age distribution characteristics. Therefore, understanding and monitoring the prevalence of hypospadias remains essential. It is crucial to enhance health education regarding birth health counseling and to promote regular perinatal examination to reduce the incidence of hypospadias.