A Study of the Role of Biological – Environmental Characteristics of Pregnant Mothers on Birth Weight

Birth weight is a major indicator of infant health. Infants with low birth weight face high risk of disability and a number of other medical and psychological problems more than infants with normal weight birth. Given the importance and the role of low birth weight in the mortality and morbidity of neonates and the costs of care, the aim of this research was to investigate the role of biological - environmental characteristics of pregnant mothers on Birth weight. The study employed a Causal-comparative design. The study population consisted of all mothers who gave birth in Quechan-Iran from October 2015 to September 2016. The sample consisted of 70 infants, who were selected by convenience sampling from population.  Criteria for participation in this study was to give birth to infants born alive with birth weigh less than 2500 gram and exclusion criteria was incomplete questionnaires by mothers. The data was gathered by a questionnaire. A number of statistical procedures including ANOVA and Chi square tests were used to test the research hypotheses. Finding of Fisher test showed that history of abortions during pregnancy had significant difference on weight of birth in infants (P>0.001 ), The weight of infants with mothers who had not history of abortions during pregnancy were more than weight of infants whose mothers had history of abortions during pregnancy. Finding of Chi square test showed that history of high blood pressure during pregnancy had significant difference on weight of birth in infants (P>0.001). On the other hand, The weight of infants with mothers who had not a history of high blood pressure during pregnancy were more than weight of infants whose mothers had history of high blood pressure during pregnancy. The results of chi square test showed that history of trauma during pregnancy had significant effect on birth weight (P>0.001). The weight of infants with mothers who had not a history of trauma during pregnancy were more than weight of infants whose mothers had  a history of trauma during pregnancy. The results showed factors associated between low birth weights were history of high blood pressure and a history of trauma during pregnancy. Thus, the etiology and identification of biological factors associated with low birth weight is recommended.