Global Pediatric Health (Oct 2023)

A Comparative Cross-sectional Study on Prevalence of Low Birth Weight and its Anticipated Risk Factors

  • Assmaa A. Alsamae Bsc,
  • Hala A. Elzilal PhD,
  • Eman Alzahrani PhD,
  • Hala M. Abo-Dief PhD,
  • Mujeeb A. Sultan PhD

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/2333794X231203857
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 10

Abstract

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Objective. This study aims to highlight the low birth weight (LBW) in Taiz City (Yemen), as LBW is one of the public health challenges experiencing a profound effect on newborns. Methods. This was a cross-sectional study since the interview and medical records were the sources of data to be analyzed by SPSS. Results. The findings of this study include; a high prevalence of LBW (39.11%), the maternal age was not associated with LBW ( P = .68), and education level, economic status, residence place, and health status were not associated with LBW ( P < .05). Although the pre-pregnancy BMI, during-pregnancy BMI, MUAC, and gestational age were significantly associated with LBW ( P < .05), the only risk factor was gestational age (OR = 9.606, CI = 3.988-23.135, P = .00). Conclusion. LBW is highly prevalent in Taiz (Yemen), so providing good healthcare services is essential to manage LBW incidence.