Abstract
BackgroundThe purpose of this study is to provide insight into the determinants of low birth weight (LBW) in Italy.MethodsThe study was carried out in a non-teaching hospital in Catanzaro (Italy). All LBW and very LBW newborns (200) were included in the study and a random sample of 400 newborns weighing ≥ 2500 g was selected. Data were collected from the delivery certificates during one year. Smoking activity of mother and familiar and/or social support during pregnancy was gathered through telephone interviews.ResultsOverall annual LBW rate was 11.8%. Among LBW newborn there were 125 preterm and 75 term. Younger mothers, those who smoked during pregnancy, and had fewer prenatal care visits were more likely to deliver a LBW child; moreover, preterm newborns, delivered by caesarean section, and twin or multiple birth were significantly more likely to have a LBW. The comparison of very LBW (<1500 g) to LBW newborns showed that a very LBW was significantly more likely in newborns delivered by less educated mothers, those who work outside the home, live in smaller towns, and had less echographies; moreover, as expected, very LBW newborns were more likely to be preterm.ConclusionSeveral modifiable factors affect the risk of LBW, even when universal access to health care is freely available, but socio-economic status appears to correlate only to very LBW.
Highlights
The purpose of this study is to provide insight into the determinants of low birth weight (LBW) in Italy
Birth weight is related to health outcomes in childhood, such as neurological deficits and lower cognitive skills [1,2,3] as well as in adulthood, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, coronary heart disease and stroke [4,5,6,7]
Several determinants have been associated with Low birth weight (LBW), related to intrauterine growth retardation, such as maternal smoking, poor diet, and low weight of the mother [8,14,15,16,17,18,19], whereas determinants of preterm birth are less known
Summary
The purpose of this study is to provide insight into the determinants of low birth weight (LBW) in Italy. Low birth weight (LBW), as a result of preterm birth or of intrauterine growth retardation, is the strongest single factor associated with perinatal and neonatal mortality and an established determinant of post-natal and infant mortality. Several determinants have been associated with LBW, related to intrauterine growth retardation, such as maternal smoking, poor diet, and low weight of the mother [8,14,15,16,17,18,19], whereas determinants of preterm birth are less known. LBW remains a substantial public health concern even in industrialized countries It is more common among blacks than whites and the role of genetics and environment in determining weight at birth is still unresolved, recent evidence suggests that genetic influences may not be the most influential determinant
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