Risk Factors for Low Birth Weight in Birjand, Iran (a case-control study)

Low birth weight (LBW) is a major public health problem. LBW is associated with increased neonatal morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and some risk factors in LBW infants delivered in Birjand maternity hospitals. In this case-control study all LBW babies (202) delivered during 6 months, between 20-4-2004 and 21-10-2004 in Birjand maternity hospitals were investigated. Every neonate whose weight was equal to or less than 2500 gm was taken as a case and the first neonate following the former whose weight was more than 2500 gm was taken as a control. Data gathering was done through questionnaires, interviewing the mothers, and physical examination. The obtained data was analyzed by SPSS software, Chi-square and Logistic regression tests at the significant level α= 0.05. Out of 2558 neonates, 202 (7.9%), were LBW. It was found that LBW was associated with sex (P=0.01), emesis gravidarum (P<0.001), mother’s hypertension during pregnancy (P<0.001), and delivery interval less than 24 months (P= 0.04). Regarding the relationship between LBW and some risk factors, which are mostly preventable, taking measures such as education of the public- especially young females-and promoting the quality of maternal care during pregnancy particularly in high risk pregnancies, are recommended.