Low Birth Weight Factors Research Articles

Maternal risk factors for low birth weight in neonates - A community-based prospective study in rural area of Puducherry

Background: The health of childbearing women and infants is a major area of concern, which needs special attention. The pregnancy outcome depends on the maternal characteristics which include the utilization of Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) services during pregnancy period. In view of the above, an attempt has been made to study the maternal characteristics and its impact on perinatal outcomes among rural women in India. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to find the incidence of delivering low birth weight (LBW) infants and to examine the association between delivering LBW infants and maternal characteristics. Materials and Methods: A community-based longitudinal study was conducted in Bahour Commune Panchayat of Puducherry, for 1 year and 3 months from January 1, 2012, to March 31, 2013. A total of 258 pregnant women registered in the Anganwadi centres serving Bahour Commune Panchayat from 1st January 2012 to 31st May 2012, and they were selected by universal sampling method, of those 244 pregnant women were responded. They interviewed with the help of questionnaire and followed until delivery. Results: The incidence of delivering LBW infants was 8.6%. Maternal characteristics including utilization of RCH services such as maternal body mass index (BMI), weight gain during pregnancy, maternal hemoglobin, and blood pressure level, history of previous abortion status, and intake of iron and folic acid tablets during pregnancy were significantly associated with the birth weight of the infants by univariate analysis. Some of the above factors such as religion, blood pressure level, and maternal BMI were found to be significantly associated with multivariate analysis also. Conclusions: Overall, integrated approach is needed to improve the health care and utilization of RCH services during pregnancy to reach the better outcomes.

Frequency and factors for low birth weight in northern Tanzania: A retrospective cohort study

Background: Low Birth Weight (LBW) is associated with both adverse perinatal outcomes and long term adverse health conditions. The information on LBW remains limited among low and middle income countries. The aim of this study is to determine the frequency and factors associated with LBW among neonates delivered at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center (KCMC) in northern Tanzania. Methodology: This was a hospital-based retrospective cohort study which was conducted using maternally-linked data from KCMC medical birth registry. A total of 8,965 women who delivered singleton infants from 2013-2015 were included. Maternal complications during pregnancy and child information on gestational age, Apgar score as well as birth weight were analyzed. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 20.0. Multivariable log-binomial regression model was performed. A P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The frequency of LBW was 11.6%. Pre-eclampsia (RR 4.9, 95% CI 3.7-6.6), eclampsia (RR 16, 95% CI 7.2-33), maternal anemia (RR 2.4, 95% CI 1.1-5.4), induction of labor (RR 1.4, 95% CI 1.1-1.8), caesarean-section (RR 1.2, 95% CI 1.0-1.4), PROM (RR 2.0,95% CI 1.2-3.5) and maternal underweight (RR 2.0, 95% CI 1.6-3.6) were significantly associated with LBW. In addition, fetal factors such as preterm birth (RR 12.0, 95% CI 9.9-13) and Apgar score

Maternal and Nutritional Determinants of LBW Based: A Hospital-Based Study in SCCL Main Hospital Kothagudem

Background: This is a prospective study aimed to assess the incidence and associated maternal risk factors of low birth weight among newborn babies born in SCCL main hospital, Kothagudem, Telangana. Method: The present study was a prospective observational study. It was conducted for a period of 6 months from Jan 2018 to June 2018. A suitable data collection form was designed for study. As per the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the following data was collected from data sources. The collected data were compiled in Microsoft office access 2010 format. The data was analyzed using graph pad prism version 5.0. Results: A total of two hundred and fifty (250) patients were studied. Data collection was done through a designed data collection form consisting of demographic characters, educational level. Antenatal Data, Neonatal data. The results of the study showed that the Incidence of Low Birth Weight (LBW) was found to be 15%. Out of 250 cases, 212 cases (85%) accounted for Normal Birth Weight (NBW), weighing more than >2,500 grams 38 cases were found to be Low Birth Weight (LBW) accounting for 15%, weighing below <2,500. Male and female neonates percentage was found to be 34.2% (13 cases) and 65.7% (25 cases)4 respectively. Mother’s Mean Hb% in LBW and NBW was 10.32 ± 1.06, 10.48 ± 1.57 respectively. Mean birth space was 2.66 ± 2.16, 4.0 ± 2.73 in LBW and NBW respectively. Mean gestational weeks was 35.63 ± 2.66 and 36.50 ± 3.028 in LBW and NBW respectively. Mean birth weight was 2.02 ± 0.304, 3.2 ± 0.41 in LBW and NBW respectively. Conclusion: It was concluded that there is a relationship between maternal height, Gravida, Consanguinity, Mode of delivery, Gender of baby, Haemoglobin %, H/O previous abortions and H/O present illness with Low Birth Weight. In order to reduce LBW, there should be better education regarding the care to be taken for pregnant women.

Association between malaria and low birth weight in Yaounde, Cameroon

IntroductionLe faible poids de naissance (FPN) est un important prédicteur de survie de l’enfant et de son développement ultérieur. De par sa physiopathologie, le paludisme est présumé en être un des facteurs de risques. La présente étude avait pour but de déterminer l’association entre l’accès palustre chez la femme enceinte (FE) et la survenue du FPN (poids < 2500 g).MéthodesIl s’est agi d’une enquête analytique de type cas-témoins, basée sur l’administration d’un questionnaire et d’une grille d’observation. Nous avons calculé l’Odds ratio (OR) brut et l’OR ajusté pour déterminer l’association. La régression logistique a été appliquée pour reconnaître les variables qui sont effectivement les déterminants du problème étudié.RésultatsCent cinquante-six (156) femmes dont 78 cas et 78 témoins ont participé à la présente étude. La prévalence de FPN était de 12,32% (105/852); 41,02% (64/156) des femmes ont eu un accès palustre durant leurs grossesses et 42,14% de parturientes ont pris leurs trois doses de TPI (traitement préventif intermittent). Nous avons ressorti une association significative entre le paludisme et le FPN avec un OR brute = 3,75 [P = 0,0001 (p < 0,05)] et l’OR ajusté = 2,82 [P = 0,01 (p < 0,05)] a été obtenu en tenant compte des différents facteurs de confusions.ConclusionLa survenue du paludisme durant la grossesse est un facteur qui augmente le risque de FPN. Les efforts devraient être faits pour améliorer la couverture en TPI et en utilisation de moustiquaire imprégnée d’insecticide à longue durée d’action afin de prévenir le paludisme durant la grossesse.

Mid-arm muscle area and anthropometry predict low birth weight and poor pregnancy outcomes in Tanzanian women with HIV

BackgroundAn observational study was conducted to examine the role of maternal anthropometry, including mid-arm muscle area (MAMA) and others, as risk factors for low birth weight (LBW), small for gestational age (SGA) and preterm births in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected pregnant women. HIV-positive women (N = 2369), between 12 and 32 weeks gestation were followed through delivery in Tanzania, from 2003 to 2008. Participants were women enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial who delivered live births.MethodsBinomial regression analysis was used to evaluate the association of maternal nutritional indicators of MAMA, mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), body mass index (BMI) and maternal weight with LBW, SGA and preterm in multivariate analysis.ResultsHigher MAMA was associated with a 32% lower risk of LBW compared to lower measurements (RR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.50–0.94). Similar protective associations were noted for higher BMI (RR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.42–0.79); maternal weight (RR = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.36–0.69) and MUAC (RR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.45–0.86). Higher MAMA was also associated with lower risk of SGA (RR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.68–0.90) and marginally associated with preterm (RR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.69–1.04). Beneficial associations of MUAC, BMI and maternal weight with SGA and preterm were also observed.ConclusionMAMA performs comparably to MUAC, maternal weight and BMI, as a predictor of LBW and SGA in HIV-infected women. The possible role of MAMA and other indicators in screening HIV positive women at risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes should be investigated.

Low Birth Weight Babies Born to Mothers Admitted to Gynecology and Obstetrics Department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital

Background: World health organization estimates that 25 million low birth weight (LBW) babies are born annually worldwide and 95% occur in developing countries. Low birth weight is a major public health problem of Bangladesh. So an attempt was made to study the incidence of low birth weight (&lt;2.5kg) and also the associated risk factors of low birth weight among the new born babies born to Dhaka Medical College Hospital.Aims: To determine the Prevalence of low weight among the babies born and to determine the relationship of low birth weight with maternal factor like maternal weight, height, gestational period, antenatal checkup, heavy physical work during pregnancy, hypertension, age of the mother and parity, in Obs. &amp; Gynae Department, DMCH.Method: This descriptive cross sectional study was done in Gynecology and Obstetrics Department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Five hundred (500) samples were selected for the study. The study was done from 1st January 2006 to 31 December 2006. Data processing and questionnaire are processed manually using scientific calculator and by computer using SPSS programmers version-16. All abortions, still born, gross congenital abnormalities were excluded from this study. The cut off point used for low birth weight is 2.5 kg.Results: A total of 500 women were interviewed. The incidence of low birth were found 21.6%. Younger than 20 yrs (31.25%) and more than 40 years (35.71%) mother delivered more low birth weight babies. The primigravida and multigravida (&gt;4 parity) showed more low birth weight babies. Women from low socioeconomic condition produced significantly larger number of low birth weight babies as well as short stature. Low maternal height, less educated, illiterate, manual worker mother delivered more low birth weight babies. Preterm birth comprises larger number of low birth weight (LBW 35%). Low height of new born babies also associated with low birth weight. Female babies were higher than the male babies. Preterm babies were lighter (LBW) than the full term babies.Conclusion: The study finds out the incidence of low birth babies, the figure close to the developing countries. The study revealed that maternal age, gestational age, parity, socioeconomic status, maternal weight and disease condition have strong relations with birth weight of babies. Occupation and antenatal check up also affects birth weight of babies.J Shaheed Suhrawardy Med Coll, June 2018, Vol.10(1); 16-22

Low birth weight and maternal incarceration in pregnancy: A longitudinal linked data study of Western Australian infants

RationaleImproved birth weight outcomes have been reported for infants of mothers imprisoned during pregnancy relative to similarly disadvantaged mothers, however, findings are equivocal and evidence is lacking from jurisdictions outside the United States. ObjectiveTo investigate whether maternal imprisonment during pregnancy is a determinant of low birth weight (<2500 g) for Indigenous and non-Indigenous infants in Western Australia. MethodsA longitudinal sample of 41,910 singleton infants born in Western Australia (October 1985-December 2013), was identified with linked administrative data and examined by five mutually exclusive categories of maternal corrections history; (i) imprisonment in pregnancy, (ii) imprisonment before pregnancy, (iii) first imprisonment after birth, (iv) community-based corrections record without imprisonment at any time, and (v) no corrections record at any time. Univariate and multivariate Poisson regression was performed to determine key risk factors for low birth weight. Prevalence of risk factors were calculated by maternal corrections history. ResultsAfter adjusting for other significant pregnancy risks, maternal imprisonment before (Indigenous RR 2.02, 95%CI 1.84–2.22, p<.001; non-Indigenous RR 2.48, 95%CI 1.98–3.12, p<.001) or during (Indigenous RR 1.96, 95%CI 1.68–2.29, p<.001; non-Indigenous RR 2.12, 95%CI 1.48–3.03, p<.001) pregnancy remained strong determinants of low birth weight, and carried greater risk than imprisonment after birth (Indigenous RR 1.58, 95%CI 1.44–1.74, p<.001; non-Indigenous RR 1.75, 95%CI 1.51–2.04, p<.001) or community-based corrections orders (Indigenous RR 1.32, 95%CI 1.21–1.43, p<.001; non-Indigenous RR 1.40, 95%CI 1.05–1.88, p<.001), relative to no corrections record. Pregnancy risk factors more prevalent amongst infants whose mothers were imprisoned before or during pregnancy included substance-use related service contacts, hospitalisation for injury, mental health service contacts, and having a sibling in contact with the child protection system. ConclusionWestern Australian infants with mothers imprisoned before or during pregnancy experience elevated risk of low birth weight and exposure to maternal substance use, injury and mental distress in pregnancy.

The Relations History of Premature Birth and Hidramnion with Low Birth Weight

The aims of this study was to determine the association of history of premature and hidramnion with the case of Low Birth Weight that it can decrease infant mortality during perinatal period. Many causes factors of low birth weight include maternal factors with a history of premature and previous low birth weight, maternal nutrition during pregnancy less, maternal age, distance of pregnancy and childbirth are too close, maternal disease, pregnancy factors include hydramnios, multiple pregnancy and pregnancy complications, fetal factors and habit factors. This study illustrates the relations of history premature birth and hydramnion to the occurrence of LBW by using analytical design with Chi - Square Tests technique. The study population of all infants born in January to December 2016. The results obtained almost a few births have a history of prematur birth is 49% with the result P = 0.0001 <α = 0.05 means there is a relations between history of premature birth with the case of LBW and most of the infants experiencing and not experiencing hydramnions occur LBW also proved by Chi-Square test results P = 0.1> α = 0.05 H0 is accepted which means there is no hydramnion relation with the occurrence of LBW. Based on the results, the researcher conclude that there is a history of premature birth with low Birth Weight events.

Effects of Selected Socio-Demographic, Maternal, ServiceRelated and Psychological Risk Factors on Low Birth Weight Babies: An Unmatched Case Control Study

Background: Birth weight is considered as the most important factor in determining the neonatal and infant survival. Low Birth Weight (LBW) is an indicator of the socio-economic conditions and indirectly measures the maternal and child health. Objectives: This work was designed to find out effects of selected socio-demographic, maternal, service-related and psychological risk factors on low birth weight babies Methods: This is a hospital based unmatched case control study Findings: sleeping 26 kg/m2 (OR:2.13, 95% CI:1.27-3.58) were risk factors for LBW. Maternal height < 153 cm (OR: 0.5, 95% CI:0.34-0.73)was a protective factor. Conclusion: Sedentary life style, less sleeping, exposure to kitchen smoke, taking drugs other than routine antenatal drugs and Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥ 26 kg/m2 are modifiable risk factors for LBW. Low maternal height was a protective factor.

Predictors of low birth weight in antenatal women

Background: Low birth weight is a reflection of the health care infrastructure and human development in a country. Elimination of low birth weight is essential to achieve a greater life expectancy and quality of life. There are several risk factors for low birth weight which range from maternal, nutritional, genetic and other factors. This study was carried out to evaluate the antenatal predictors of low birth weight.

Association between maternal tea consumption in pregnancy and birth outcomes

Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between maternal tea consumption and birth outcomes. Methods: From January 2005 to December 2010, pregnant women were recruited from Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Hospital. The basic information and the situation of tea consumption during pregnancy were investigated using questionnaire and the birth outcomes of newborns were followed up. Finally, 500 pairs of mothers and infants with complete and standard-compliant data were included in the analysis. The differences of birth outcomes between the tea consumption group and the non tea consumption group were compared and the associations between tea consumption and birth outcomes were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. Results: Mother's tea consumption rate was 32.8% (164 cases) during pregnancy. The rate of low birth weight in the tea consumption group was (5.5%, 9 cases) and higher than that in the non-tea consumption group (2.1%, 7 cases) (P=0.042). There was no significant difference in the rate of premature birth, small for gestational age, fetal distress, and macrosomia between the two groups After the adjustment of maternal age, education level, family income, weight gain during pregnancy, pre-pregnancy BMI, parity, gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, neonatal gender and gestational age, compared with non-tea consumption group, there was a positive effect on low birth weight, OR(95%CI) was 4.76 (1.06-21.48). The OR (95%CI) value of the low birth weight risk of the tea group was 5.30 (1.04-26.92) compared with the non-tea consumption group after the adjustment of additional factors such as passive smoking, coffee consumption, folic acid supplement, mineral supplement, carbonated beverage consumption. Simultaneously, compared with non-tea consumption group, there was no statistically significant association between tea consumption during pregnancy and premature birth, small for gestational age, fetal distress and macrosomia (P>0.05). Conclusion: Tea consumption during pregnancy was a risk factor for low birth weight in offspring.

Socio-demographic and household characteristics of unmarried mothers as risk factors for low birthweight and infant death in Northern Ireland

BackgroundCompared to married mothers, mothers who are not married when they register their child’s birth are at increased risk of having a low birthweight baby and infant death. Having a partner protects women from poor pregnancy outcomes to some extent but those who are living with, but not married to, their partner still do less well than those who are married. As it does not appear to be marriage itself which is protective, other factors such as maternal education and smoking, and household characteristics, such as accommodation type and familial support in the household, need to be examined.&#x0D; AimTo explore the individual socio-demographic and household characteristics that are associated with low birthweight and infant death among unmarried mothers.&#x0D; MethodsA population based cohort study will be conducted through the Administrative Data Research Network based on all registered live births 2010-2016 to women resident in Northern Ireland (NI).&#x0D; General Register Office (GRO) birth records will be linked to the NI Maternity System and GRO infant death data to identify low birth weight (primary) and infant death (secondary) outcomes. Maternal individual socio-demographic and household characteristics will be provided through linkage to the 2011 census (ethnicity, highest level of education, support from family members living in the household); Enhanced Prescribing Database (maternal mental health prescriptions); 2010 NI Multiple Deprivation Measure (area level deprivation, including income and education domains, for the mother’s home address at the time of birth) and Valuation and Lands Agency Rating List (capital value of property of mother’s address).&#x0D; Descriptive statistics and logistic regression will be used for the analysis.&#x0D; ImpactIt is anticipated the findings will reduce the public health burden of low birthweight babies by directing interventions to targeted groups of mothers.

The association between endometriosis and the risk of LBW: A meta-analysis

Background: Many observational services have been conducted to evaluate the risk factors of low birth weight, but the results showed no consistency. Therefore, we conducted this meta-analysis to investigate the association between endometriosis (body mass index) and the risk of low birth weight. Methods: Relevant works that were published in major international electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, SciELO, and Cochrane were systematically searched until February 2018. Begg’s and Egger’s tests were used to determine publication bias in included studies. The random-effects model was carried out to determine the odds ratio. Results: A meta-analysis of the 12 studies proposed a significant association between endometriosis and the risk of low birth weight (odds ratio = 1.34, 95% confidence interval = 1.08–1.60). The subgroup analysis was carried out based on the design, adjusted form, and use of assisted reproductive technology in studies. The pooled results based on subgroup analysis in case–control and cohort studies were 1.46 (0.79–2.12) and 1.32 (1.02–1.62), respectively. There was significant correlation between endometriosis and low birth weight in cohort studies. Also, heterogeneity was not reported among studies in the subgroup based on adjusted form. There was no significant correlation between endometriosis and low birth weight in studies using assisted reproductive technology methods Conclusion: The systematic review and meta-analysis showed that endometriosis increases the risk of low birth weight. Therefore, it is a risk factor for low birth weight.

Maternal and Neonatal Risk Factors of Low Birth Weight in Guwahati Metro, Assam, Northeast India

Maternal and Neonatal Risk Factors of Low Birth Weight in Guwahati Metro, Assam, Northeast India

Maternal Anemia and Low Birth Weight: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objective: To systematically analyze the relationship between maternal anemia and low birth weight. Methods: A search of studies was conducted in the main databases (Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO, and Lilacs), the gray literature, and the reference lists of selected articles. Cohort and case-control studies that met the eligibility criteria were included in the review. There was no limitation on the language or date of publication. Article selection and data extraction were performed by two independent reviewers. Meta-analyses with random effects, subgroup analyses and meta-regressions were performed. Publication bias was measured using Egger regression and visual funnel plot inspection. Results: A total of 7243 articles were found, of which 71 comprised the systematic review and 68 were included in the meta-analyses. Maternal anemia was associated with low birth weight with an adjusted OR: 1.23 (95% CI: 1.06–1.43) and I2: 58%. The meta-regressions confirmed that the sample size and the methodological quality may partially explain the statistical heterogeneity. Conclusions: Maternal anemia was considered a risk factor for low birth weight.

Effect of maternal anaemia on birth weight of term babies

Background: Low birth weight is the major determinant of mortality, morbidity and disability in infancy and childhood and has a long-term impact on health outcome in adult life. The objectives of this study were to study the relationship between maternal anemia and birth weight of babies and to study anthropometric measures of babies born to anemic and non-anemic mothers and to correlate the timing of anemia with birth weight of babies.Methods: Term babies born in Institute of Maternal and Child Health, Government Medical College, Kozhikode from November 2014 to October 2016 fulfilling the criteria were divided into 2 groups, cases (term babies with birth weight &lt;2500g) and controls (term babies with weight &gt;2500g) and studied and their maternal hemoglobin values were compared.Results: Maternal anaemia in all three trimesters was found to be more in cases compared to controls. Mean 1st trimester hemoglobin of cases was 10.68 g/dl which was significantly lower when compared to controls. Mean 2nd trimester hemoglobin of cases was 10.36 g/dl compared to 11.47 g/dl in controls. Mean 3rd trimester hemoglobin of cases was 10.42 g/dl which was also significantly lower compared to 11.32 g/dl in controls. SGA babies were also found to be more in cases, 89%, compared to 18% in controls. The difference in head circumference between two groups was not statistically significant. Mean length of babies were higher in controls compared to cases. Mothers with anemia at any time during pregnancy was found to have 4.3 times higher risk of giving birth to low birth weight babies compared to non-anemic mothersConclusion: Anemia during pregnancy is a risk factor for low birth weight and SGA, independent of the trimester. Length of babies born to anaemic mothers is also low. But it does not have a significant effect on head circumference of babies.

Trend and risk factors of low birth weight and macrosomia in south China, 2005\u20132017: a retrospective observational study

The percentages of low birth weight (LBW) increased from 7.7% in 2005 to 11.3% in 2011 and declined to 8.1% in 2017. For very low birth weight (VLBW) individuals, the proportion declined −1.0% annually, from 2.5% in 2005 to 1.4% in 2017. Among moderately low birth weight (MLBW) individuals, the proportion first increased 12.8% annually, from 5.0% in 2005 to 9.3% in 2011, and then declined −3.8% annually, from 9.4% in 2011 to 7.0% in 2017. The percentages of macrosomia monotone decreased from 4.0% in 2005 to 2.5% in 2017, an annual decline of −4.0%. Multiple regression analyses showed that boys, maternal age, hypertensive disorders complicating pregnancy (HDCP), and diabetes were significant risk factors for LBW. Boys, maternal age, gestational age, HDCP, diabetes, and maternal BMI were significant risk factors for macrosomia. Although the relevant figures declined slightly in our study, it is likely that LBW and macrosomia will remain a major public health issue over the next few years in China. More research aimed at control and prevention of these risk factors for LBW and macrosomia and their detrimental outcome in the mother and perinatal child should be performed in China.

Risk factors for low birth weight according to the multiple logistic regression model. A retrospective cohort study in José María Morelos municipality, Quintana Roo, Mexico.

Low birth weight has been an enigma for science over time. There have been many researches on its causes and its effects. Low birth weight is an indicator that predicts the probability of a child surviving. In fact, there is an exponential relationship between weight deficit, gestational age, and perinatal mortality. Multiple logistic regression is one of the most expressive and versatile statistical instruments available for the analysis of data in both clinical and epidemiology settings, as well as in public health. To assess in a multivariate fashion the importance of 17 independent variables in low birth weight (dependent variable) of children born in the Mayan municipality of José María Morelos, Quintana Roo, Mexico. Analytical observational epidemiological cohort study with retrospective temporality. Births that met the inclusion criteria occurred in the "Hospital Integral Jose Maria Morelos" of the Ministry of Health corresponding to the Maya municipality of Jose Maria Morelos during the period from August 1, 2014 to July 31, 2015. The total number of newborns recorded was 1,147; 84 of which (7.32%) had low birth weight. To estimate the independent association between the explanatory variables (potential risk factors) and the response variable, a multiple logistic regression analysis was performed using the IBM SPSS Statistics 22 software. In ascending numerical order values of odds ratio > 1 indicated the positive contribution of explanatory variables or possible risk factors: "unmarried" marital status (1.076, 95% confidence interval: 0.550 to 2.104); age at menarche ≤ 12 years (1.08, 95% confidence interval: 0.64 to 1.84); history of abortion(s) (1.14, 95% confidence interval: 0.44 to 2.93); maternal weight < 50 kg (1.51, 95% confidence interval: 0.83 to 2.76); number of prenatal consultations ≤ 5 (1.86, 95% confidence interval: 0.94 to 3.66); maternal age ≥ 36 years (3.5, 95% confidence interval: 0.40 to 30.47); maternal age ≤ 19 years (3.59, 95% confidence interval: 0.43 to 29.87); number of deliveries = 1 (3.86, 95% confidence interval: 0.33 to 44.85); personal pathological history (4.78, 95% confidence interval: 2.16 to 10.59); pathological obstetric history (5.01, 95% confidence interval: 1.66 to 15.18); maternal height < 150 cm (5.16, 95% confidence interval: 3.08 to 8.65); number of births ≥ 5 (5.99, 95% confidence interval: 0.51 to 69.99); and smoking (15.63, 95% confidence interval: 1.07 to 227.97). Four of the independent variables (personal pathological history, obstetric pathological history, maternal stature <150 centimeters and smoking) showed a significant positive contribution, thus they can be considered as clear risk factors for low birth weight. The use of the logistic regression model in the Mayan municipality of José María Morelos, will allow estimating the probability of low birth weight for each pregnant woman in the future, which will be useful for the health authorities of the region.

A Review of Low Birth Weight in Ethiopia: Socio-Demographic and Obstetric Risk Factors

Abstract Background: Neonatal morbidity and mortality, particularly relating to the low birth weight babies is still high in Africa, including Ethiopia. Most newborn deaths are among low birth weight babies. In 2013, birth asphyxia (34%) and prematurity (25%) were causes of neonatal mortality in Ethiopia, which are the most common causes for low birth weight. Therefore, this review aimed to document the main risk factors for low birth weight in Ethiopian studies. Methods: The reviewed articles were accessed through web-based search from PubMed, MEDLINE, HINARI and Google Scholar. Results: Socio-demographic (maternal education level, occupation, income and place of residence), maternal/obstetric (maternal age, antenatal care visit, maternal weight and stature, preterm birth and parity), obstetric and medical disorders during pregnancy (hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, anemia and malaria) and fetal factors (infant sex and congenital malformations) are the common risk factors for low birth weight in Ethiopia. Conclusion: Health education and information on maternal nutrition, use of psychoactive substances and providing social support during pregnancy are important interventions to improve birth weight in Ethiopia.

Socio-demographic and nutritional determinants of birth weight.

Global high prevalence of low birth weight (LBW) is a major public health concern leads to high neonatal and infant deaths. This study was conducted to find out the prevalence of low birth weight and to effect of associated socio-demographic and nutritional predictors. A total of 200 respondents were approached from January 2016 to June 2016. Data were collected on sociodemographic and nutritional factors by interviewing pregnant mothers. Hemoglobin level and blood pressure data were recorded from mothers’ antenatal care card. Descriptive data revealed that the prevalence of low birth weight was 17%. Correlation matrix showed age and hemoglobin concentration significantly associated with birth outcome. Regression analysis portrayed that one unit increased age and hemoglobin corresponds to the respectively 0.017 and 0.050 unit increased birth weight of the child. To be concluding, teenage mothers and low hemoglobin level were the important risk factors for low birth weight in the study area.