Prevalence and risk factors for Low Birth Weight in Ardabil, Iran

Background: To determine prevalence and risk factors associated with Low Birth Weight in Ardebil, Iran. Methods: A secondary data analysis study was conducted from Nov 2010 – July 2011 in all three Ardabil maternal hospitals. Of 6832 live births 432 neonates had birth weight <2500 g that were taken as cases and 864 normal weight neonates as a control group. Data were listed in a self-designed questionnaire from review of prenatal and hospital delivery records. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were applied to obtain magnitude of association between independent variables and Low Birth Weight using SPSS version 16.Results: The incidence of LBW was 6.3%. Among these, 84.2% were preterm and 15.8% had intrauterine growth retardation. Hypertension (OR=8.64, CI: 2.63-28.31), multiple pregnancy (OR=7.62, CI: 3.09-13.32), leakage (OR=4.46, CI: 2.11-9.42), Oligohydramnios (OR=4.28, CI1:90-9.76), history of preterm birth (OR=2.84, CI: 1.20-6.71), bleeding or spotting (OR=2.36, CI: 1.41-3.95) were determined as important risk factors for preterm LBW. Risk of Low Birth Weight in term infants increased by the multiple pregnancy (OR=3.77, CI: 1.41-10), bleeding and spotting (OR=2.23, CI: 1.22-4.07), Urinary Tract Infection in weeks 26-30 of pregnancy (OR=2.42, CI: 1.11-5.26), and spouse’s smoking (OR=2.24, CI: 1.07-4.68). Conclusions: Delivering quality health care for all pregnant women and early diagnosis and control of hypertension, Urinary Tract Infection, and bleeding or spotting and leakage of amniotic fluid during pregnancy may significantly reduce the rate of low birth weight and improve public health in this area.