Prevalence and Related Factors of Low Birth Weight in Mashhad, Iran

Low birth weight (LBW) is one of the main factors accounts for neonatal mortality and morbidity. Many factors are related with low birth weight. The present study was conducted to identify the prevalence and related factors of LBW in Mashhad, northeast of Iran. This cross-sectional study was performed in all medical health centers of Mashhad during the first six months of 2010. Data collection was performed by scale, meter, and a questionnaire including two sections of neonatal factors and maternal factors. The questionnaire was completed by measuring neonates’ height and weight, interviewing with their mothers, and investigating mothers’ and neonates’ health files. Data was analyzed by descriptive statistics, chi-square, Fisher, independent T, and Man-witney tests by SPSS (11.5). Among 2674 alive births, 297 neonates had the weight The prevalence of LBW in our study suggests that a greater emphasis should be placed on related factors of LBW for the early detection and prevention.