Factors Associated with Low Birth Weight in Term Newborns

Abstract

INTRODUCTION[|]Low birth weight (LBW) is a worldwide public health problem, and in emerging countries in particular. In newborns, various maternal and socio-economical factors can lead to LBW. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the risk factors associated with LBW in term newborns. [¤]METHODS[|]The study included 60 newborns with LBW (<2500 g) and 100 newborns with normal birth weight (2500−4000 g) as the control group. Father, mother and socio-economic factors were questioned by face-to-face interviews with mothers. Head circumference weight and height of all newborns were measured. Study and control group were compared in terms of socio-economical, neonatal, paternal and maternal factors. [¤]RESULTS[|]Average head circumference, birth height and weight in LBW group were 33.03+-1.29 cm, 47.22+-1.72 cm and 2328+-154.55 g respectively. There was no significant difference in female/male ratio between the 2 groups. Statistically significant differences were found between the 2 groups in number of antenatal care visits, smoking habits and presence of child mortalities under the age of 5 (p=0.04, p=0.014 and p=0.033 respectively). Socio-economic characteristics were not also found to be significantly different between the 2 groups.[¤]DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION[|]There are variety of factors leading to LBW, some of which can be prevented by ensuring a non-smoking pregnancy and high quality and sufficient number of antenatal care visits.[¤]

Keywords

• low birth weight
• newborn; maternal risk factors; smoking; socio economic risk factors.