Journal of Holistic Nursing and Midwifery (Oct 2005)
Survey predictive factors of neonatal low birth weight in mothers referring to hospitals in Rasht
Abstract
Introduction: Nowadays birth of low weight infants is considered one of the most important problems of global health and causes 65% of mortality cases in infants. So it seems necessary for nurses to identify factors predicting low birth weight infants. In attention to research results which indicates the importance of maternal factors in giving birth to low weight infants, the present investigation with the aim of identifying maternal factors predicting low birth weight in mothers referred to hospitals of Rasht has been performed. Objective: This study was conducted to assess the maternal factors predicting low birth weight infants in hospitals of Rasht. Methods:The present investigation is a cross sectional – descriptive study, that was conducted on 2500 infants in hospitals of Rasht who had the characteristics of investigational unit ( the infants are grouped in two groups: infants with natural weight and infants with weight of 2500 gram or less).In this investigation ,a two-section questionnaire was used for gathering data including information related to infant demographic data and maternal factors(demographic, economical, social and medical factors) that have an effect on infant birth weight. The data gathering method was structured interview and observation of infant records.Statistical analysis has been conducted to identify the difference between characteristics of maternal factors with weight of 2500 g or less and those with natural weight. Results: Finding showed a significant relationship between “maternal demographic, economical-social and medical factors”and low birth weight (p<0/05). Conclusion: Finally, findings emphasize the issue that there is a significant relationship between Maternal factors and low birth weight (p<0/05).
