Prevalence and Risk Factors of Low Birth Weight in Neonates Born in Tishreen University Hospital - Latakia

Abstract

<i>Background</i>: Low birth weight is a public health problem of global prevalence with a significant impact on health in childhood and adulthood. <i>Objective</i>: The purpose of the current study is to determine the prevalence and risk factors of low birth weight in neonates born in Tishreen University Hospital- Latakia. <i>Methods</i>: In an Observational analytical cross-sectional study design included 711 neonates born at Tishreen University Hospital in Latakia over 1 year period from January 2020. Questionnaires were administered after the birth of the infant included gender, gestational age, order of pregnancy, maternal age, weight, work, education, Parental relationship, history of low birth weight, chronic disease, pregnancy complications, birth defects. <i>Results</i>: The results showed that the prevalence of low birth weight was 13.4%. There was a significant relationship between low birth weight with the Preterm, complications during pregnancy, Mother’s age (<18, ≥35 years), previous of Low birth weight, and smoking during pregnancy. The preterm (OR=9.6), complications during pregnancy (OR=4.5), mother’s age (<18, ≥35 year) (OR=3.2), previous of LBW (OR=2.9), and smoking during pregnancy (OR=2.5) were the most factors associated with low birth weight. <i>Conclusion</i>: The current study found a high prevalence of low birth weight associated with many factors including (The preterm, complications during pregnancy, Mother’s age, previous of LBW, and smoking during pregnancy). The current study could be used as a preventative strategy to reduce the risk of low birth weight by prediction of risk factors.