The Incidence and Related Factors of Low Birth Weight

Considering 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 study is to determine the incidence and related factors of low birth weight in Hajar hospital in Shahr-e-Kord

This cross-sectional study was carried out on 5102 infants who were born in Hajar hospital during the year 2005. Data was gathered from mother, pediatrics physician (physical examination), and mothers’ and infants’ records. SPSS was used for data analysis (Chi-square and multiple logistic regression tests) and P<0.05 was considered significant.

Out of 5102 infants, 434 (8.5%) were low birth weight (CI=7.5%-9.5%). The Odds ratio of low birth weight was about 16.5 in multifetal pregnancy versus singleton pregnancy, and about 10 in the gestational age less than 37 weeks versus gestational age more than or equal to 37 weeks (P<0.0001). Low birth weight was seen 2.5 folds in females infants compared with the males (P=0.04). Also, it was 2.75 folds in the mothers aged less than 20 years versus the mothers aged more than or equal to 20 years (P=0.04). Primiparous women had Low birth weight infabnts 3.69 folds incomparison with the multiparous women (P=0.01). In logistic regression, multifetal pregnancy, prematurity and sex were determined as the most important factors related to low birth weight.

The incidence of low birth weight in Hajar hospital in shahrekord was similar to the other sites in Iran. Prevention of preterm labor, educational intervention programs for high risk mothers specially the young women aged less than 20 years and primiparous and promotion of the quality of prenatal cares in multifetal pregnancis can be effective in prevention of low birth weight.