Risk Factors for Low Birth Weight in Iran: A case - control study

Background and Aim: There is a close relationship between low birth weight (LBW) and neonatal and perinatal mortality, growth restriction and cognitive impairment resulting in chronic diseases later in life. This study aimed to investigate factors associated with LBW among newborns in Iran. Materials and Methods: This study was a population-based case-control study. There were 2580 mothers (712 cases and 1868 controls) whose data were collected using researcher-made questionnaires in health centers. Once the data collecting had been completed, all data were entered into the software SPSS V.19. The percentage and frequency were used to describe the variables, while univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to examine the relationship between independent variables and outcome variables (birth weight). Results: The odds of having low birth weight infants among illiterate mothers 89% (AOR: 1.89, 95% CI 1.03 - 3.47), among mothers with secondary school education 93% (AOR: 1.93, 95% CI 1.27 - 2.95) and among mothers with high school education was 65% (AOR: 1.65, 95% CI 1.11 - 2.44) higher than college educated mothers. Furthermore, in mothers with special diseases (heart disease, hepatitis, kidney disease etc) (AOR: 2.05, 95% CI 1.34 - 3.12), mothers with twin or multiple pregnancies (AOR: 6.94, 95% CI 4.29 - 11.21) and mothers with a history of stillbirth (AOR: 2.69, 95% CI 1.86 - 3.88) use of contraception prior to pregnancy was the protective factor (AOR: 0.61. 95% CI 0.48 - 0.77). Conclusion: Risk factors associated with LBW among infants included maternal education level, maternal special diseases, twins or multiple pregnancies, a history of stillbirth, a history of cesarean section, use of contraception prior to pregnancy most of which are modifiable factors so that delivering a baby with LBW can be prevented through health planning and raising awareness and educating mothers.

کلیدواژه ها:

low birth weight ، risk factors ، case-control ، Iran