Mothers Of Low Birth Weight Infants Research Articles

Psychological Well-being of Mothers with Low Birth Weight (LBW) Infants Using DASS-21 Scales

Introduction: Every pregnant mother want their baby normal and healthy when is born. As a consequence, when their infants were premature and LBW, requiring hospitalization, especially in the NICU or SCN, it turned into a stressful situation that could lead to psychological suffering and emotional breakdown. Currently, research in Malaysia focuses on the prevalence of LBW; however, insufficient research on the psychological well-being of mothers with LBW has been conducted. Method: A cross-sectional study design with 130 respondents was selected using convenience sampling at SCN, Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab 11, Kota Bharu, Kelantan. The DASS-21 scale was used. Result: A Chi-Square was performed and a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. For depression, the percentage of mothers reporting symptoms on the DASS-21 scales in the mild group was 18 (13.8 %), moderate at 20 (15.4 %), and severe at 4 (3.1 %), respectively. Anxiety was prominent in the mild group at 11(8.5 %), moderate at 39(30.0%), severe at 14(10.8 %), and extremely severe at 12(9.2 % ). Meanwhile, mild stress symptoms were reported by 29 (22.3 %), moderate by 15 (11.5 %), and severe by 6 (4.6 %). The association between maternal age and anxiety (p=0.036), maternal age, and stress (p=0.041) was shown to be statistically significant. Conclusion: The majority of respondents in this study had anxiety rather than depression or stress. The study’s information will help healthcare practitioners in developing effective intervention strategies to address the issue of psychological well-being among mothers of LBW infants.

Health education to improve low-birthweight infant care practices in Central Jakarta, Indonesia.

This study aimed to assess the impact of health education on the caring practices of low-birthweight (LBW) infant mothers in Central Jakarta, Indonesia. A quasi-experiment design with a pretest-post-test control group model was conducted on 159 mothers (78 in the intervention group and 81 in the control group) of LBW infants treated in the perinatology ward of three hospitals in Central Jakarta. Provision of health education to mothers of LBW infants consisted of counselling sessions and one-on-one visits provided by primary health centre nurses. Data were collected four times consecutively over 6 weeks. A generalized estimating equation model with a linear link function was employed to examine LBW infant practice score changes due to intervention and other influential factors at four time points. Results: The LBW infant care practice scores were higher in the intervention group than in the control group at each measurement point. After controlling for maternal attitudes, LBW infant health education increased mothers' infant care practices at 2, 6 and 12 weeks by 2.179, 2.803 and 2.981 points, respectively, and reduced infant morbidity. Six weeks of health education had an effective impact on mothers' home LBW infant care practices and infant health status.

Effects of Different Nutritional Factors on Neonates Birth Weight

Under nutrition in mothers is a major factor which results in abnormal or reduced growth of fetus, low birth weight (LBW), neonatal illness and infant death Objective: To determine the association of dietary factors with birth weight of neonates Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 mothers, divided into 2 groups, one having normal weight (NW) infants and other having LBW infants. Data regarding their dietary habits and anthropometric measurements were taken Results: The results showed that 29 mothers of NW babies were older child born with NW, 21 mothers of NW babies were not older child born with NW, whereas 29 mothers of LBW babies were older child born with NW, 21 mothers of LBW babies were not older child born with NW. There was an insignificant association (p=1.000) between education and neonate’s birth weight as p-value is greater than 0.05. Conclusions: The rate of LBW were more affected by their food choices (lack of knowledge, improper antenatal care, less consumption of milk and protein and also fruits and vegetable) as compared to mothers with NW babies, other confounding determinants such as illiteracy rate, poor maternal nutrition and lifestyle factors, no knowledge regarding balanced diet and supplementation among pregnant females leads to prevalence of LBW infants.

Prevalence of Postpartum Depression and Related Factors among Mothers of Low Birth Weight Infants

Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common psychological disorder associated with childbirth. Over time, it can cause stress and mental problems, leading to a low quality of life and risk of malnutrition in their babies. Nonetheless, limited data are available on the prevalence and related factors of PPD among mothers of low birth weight (LBW) infants. Objective: To study the prevalence of PPD and related factors in mothers of infants with LBW. Materials and Methods: The present study was a descriptive cross-sectional design. It was conducted at Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital (BAH) between June 2019 and September 2020. Participants were the immediate parturients admitted and delivering LBW babies. Demographic data were collected before the participants were discharged from the hospital. At four to eight weeks after delivery, participants were interviewed to complete three self-reported questionnaires, including the parenting data, the Thai version of Edinburgh Postprtum Depression Scale (Thai-EPDS), and the Revised-Thai version of the Multi-dimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (r-T-MSPSS). The infants’ data were collected from the medical records by the researcher. Results: Two hundred sixty-seven from 398 participants were enrolled into the present study. The average age of participants, infants’ gestational age, and birth weight in the present study were 27.8 years, 36⁺⁵ weeks, and 2,281 grams, respectively. The prevalence of PPD among mothers of LBW infants in the present study was 22.5%. The factors significantly associated with PPD included both maternal factors such as educational level less than bachelor’s degree, marital conflict, history of depression, unplanned pregnancy, non-breastfeeding, and low social support, and infant factors such as hospital stay more than three days, admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and neonatal health problems. Conclusion: The prevalence of PPD among mothers of LBW infants was 22.5%. Educational level less than bachelor’s degree, marital conflict, history of depression, unplanned pregnancy, non-breastfeeding, low social support, hospital stay of infant more than three days, NICU admission, and neonatal health problems were associated factors of PPD. Keywords: Thai version of Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale; Low birth weight infants; Postpartum depression

Evaluation of breastfeeding care and education given to mothers with low-birthweight babies by healthcare workers at a hospital in urban Tanzania: a qualitative study

BackgroundThe total neonatal mortality in Tanzania remains high reaching as much as 44,900 deaths per year, particularly among low birthweight (LBW) babies. This makes Tanzania the fourth African country with the highest number of annual neonatal deaths. Studies have shown the advantages of breast milk for LBW babies and the effectiveness of interventions from healthcare workers (HCWs) to encourage mothers to achieve exclusive breastfeeding (EBF). Although these interventions can substantially reduce mortality in this vulnerable group, they remain insufficient in practice particularly in resource-limited countries. Therefore, there is an urgent need to establish the most appropriate interventions for mothers with LBW babies, particularly in these countries. To help address this need, we evaluated the breastfeeding care and education given to mothers with LBW babies by HCWs during hospitalization in Tanzania.MethodsA qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with mothers of LBW babies at an urban hospital in Tanzania was conducted. We assessed their understanding of breastfeeding at discharge. All the interviews were conducted in local Swahili and then translated to English. Data were analyzed using content analysis.ResultsAmong the 19 mothers interviewed, only four breastfed their baby within an hour after birth. Nine mothers received no support from HCWs when they breastfeed their baby for the first time. Ten mothers received no education on EBF, and there were mothers who misunderstood the EBF definition. Eight answered that they had difficulty breastfeeding their baby at discharge. Four mothers were dissatisfied with the care and education given by HCWs, and six mothers provided suggestions for improvements. Although six mothers had a high reliance on HCWs, they had difficulty asking HCWs questions because of their authoritative attitude and behavior.ConclusionsMothers with LBW babies need special support to increase their ability to breastfeed and ensure EBF continuance. To address the gaps between the currently provided breastfeeding interventions and the ideal breastfeeding interventions, improvements in the quality and quantity of breastfeeding care and education are required. Training HCWs to systematize standard interventions, confirming mothers’ understanding, and ensuring a comfortable environment for mothers are absolutely needed.

EXPLORING INDOOR AIR POLLUTION EXPOSURE DURING PREGNANCY AND RISK OF LOW BIRTH WEIGHT IN SEBERANG ULU 1, PALEMBANG

Adverse birth outcomes are determined by a complex combination of genetic, social, and environmental factors. Numerous studies have concluded an association exists between air pollution and low birth weight (LBW). This case-controlled study aimed to analyze the association by using 38 cases (mothers of LBW infants) and 40 controls (mothers of normal birth weight infants) in Seberang Ulu 1, Palembang City. Primary data related to indoor air pollution exposure during pregnancy was collected via structured interviews. The data was analyzed by performing chi-square and multiple logistic regressions within a risk factor model. Exposure to indoor air pollution during pregnancy was associated with the occurrence of LBW (chi-square test, p-value: 0.012, OR 3611 [95% CI 1.415 to 9.215]). No variables were found to have an interaction with the effects of indoor air pollution exposure during pregnancy and the occurrence of LBW. Exposure to indoor air pollution during pregnancy had the most significant impact on LBW occurrences after controlling for maternal age during pregnancy (multiple logistic regression, p-value: 0.019, OR 3.19 [95% CI 1, 21-8.406]).
 Keywords: Indoor air pollution, low birth weight, pregnancy,

Benefits of a Parenting Record Handbook for Low-birth-weight Infants and Their Families

Background: The Little Baby Handbook (LBH) includes information on the growth/development of lowbirth- weight infants (LBWIs), raising these infants, administrative policies and subsidies for maternal and child health, and messages to mothers/families of LBWIs. In the present study, a focus group interview with the users of the LBH was conducted to examine its usefulness. Methods: A qualitative design with an inductive approach. The subjects were four mothers and a couple with very low-birth-weight infants whose birth weight was less than 1,500 g. Results: The mean birth weight of the infants was 800.6 ± 205.8 g and they were 26.6 ± 2.4 weeks old. Two of the infants were attending a center for children with special needs, and three were undergoing rehabilitation. Mothers of LBWIs used the LBH as a mental support for raising their children, and evaluated it as a useful tool to assess their development and sources of health/medical care information and peer support. The mothers experienced a sense of pleasure from making records of the growth and development of their children, and acquired prospects of their development through messages from mothers with similar experiences. Mothers of LBWIs hoped for the promotion of the LBH as a public tool for information sharing among the families of LBWIs and many different health care professionals. Conclusion: The results of the present study suggest that the LBH empowers the mothers of LBWIs to change their negative feelings and behaviors to positive ones.

Kangaroo mother care for low birth weight babies: supportive factors and barriers

Background: Kangaroo mother care (KMC) is skin-to-skin contact between mother and low birth weight (LBW) baby. It keeps the baby warm, increases accessibility to breast feeding, and protects the baby from infections. This study was done to identify supportive factors and barriers in practicing KMC as perceived by mothers of LBW babies and health care personnel (HCP).Methods: It was a questionnaire based descriptive study. Mothers of LBW babies and HCP were enrolled in study. Mothers and HCP were sensitized regarding KMC and after practicing KMC for 3 days, mothers were interviewed with the help of a predefined proforma. Feedback from the HCP was also taken. Data analysis was performed by using IBM SPSS ver. 20 software.Results: Most common factor in initiation and practice of KMC were, knowledge regarding KMC after training (100%), environmental factors (privacy and resources) (87.27%) and support from HCP (94.54%). Most common barriers perceived during performance of KMC were lack of knowledge about KMC during pregnancy (80%), pain due to LSCS/episiotomy (64.54%) and lack of support from family members (51.81%). Majority of the HCP strongly agree that parents must be encouraged to adopt KMC (82.92%), KMC is hampered due to presence of visitors in the ward (73.17%). KMC needs separate room (68.29%) and it is difficult due to LSCS (51.21%).Conclusions: To increase KMC practice, mother’s knowledge about KMC can be improved by educating them in antenatal clinics and all HCP should receive training on KMC.

A comparative prospective cohort study of women following childbirth: Mothers of low birthweight infants at risk for elevated PTSD symptoms

• Women with low birthweight infants in the NICU reported significantly more PTSD symptoms at 5 and 8 weeks after child birth compared to other groups. • Women undergoing an emergency caesarean had greater PTSD symptoms than vaginal birth women who did not require forceps or vacuum at 26 weeks. • From 8 to 26 weeks there was a significant decrease in symptoms in women having a vaginal birth and women having an infant in NICU care.

Study of serum zinc in low birth weight neonates and its relation with maternal zinc.

Assessment of serum Zinc in LBW (Low Birth Weight) and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) neonates in relation to their maternal zinc level. A prospective study was conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital of central India between August 2011 to July 2012. Serum samples were collected from the eligible LBW (preterm & term IUGR) and term AGA healthy neonates and their mothers for zinc level estimation. Serum zinc was measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Newborn of mothers having any medical illness, on any medication, with anaemia (Hb <10 gm/dl) were excluded from the study. Neonates with any perinatal insult were also excluded. Out of 100 newborn-mother pairs enrolled in the study, 46 newborns (18 preterm and 28 term IUGR) with birth weight <2.5kg comprised the case group and rest 54 term AGA newborns (birth weight >2.5kg) were categorized as control group. Mean serum zinc level was significantly low in LBW neonates (83.45±16.74 μg/dl) in comparison to term AGA newborns (93.74±19.95 μg/dl), (p-value <0.05). Similarly, zinc level was also low in mothers of LBW babies (67.02±15.99 μg/dl) in comparison to mothers of term AGA newborns (83.59±18.46 μg/dl), (p-value < 0.05). Low maternal zinc levels were significant correlated with lower serum zinc in LBW neonates (Pearson correlation value - 0.938). However, maternal zinc levels have shown no significant correlation with neonatal serum zinc levels in term AGA (0.029). LBW neonates and their mothers have significant zinc deficiency as compared to term AGA neonates and their mothers and this deficiency is correlated with zinc deficiency in mothers of these LBW neonates.

The Influence of Family Empowerment on the Health Status of Low Birth Weight Infant in Jakarta

0 0 1 169 966 farradilaiskandar@ymail.com 8 2 1133 14.0 Normal 0 false false false EN-US JA X-NONE Low birth weight (LBW) infant is susceptible to health problems since the infant born, during in the hospital and continue after discharge. The purpose of this study was to identify the influence of family empowerment on the health status of LBW infant. Action research using qualitative and quantitative method was used in this study. Qualitative approach was used to identify the experience of mothers of LBW infants as a data based for intervention development, and quantitative approach was used to evaluate the influence of family empowerment program on the health status of LBW infants. There were 7 participants, 20 mothers and their infants in the intervention group and 27 in the control group involved in this study. The study showed that family empowerment was effective in improving the immunization status and follow- up care attendance, reducing the frequency of acute care visits, increasing mothers' knowledge and skill in providing care. In conclusion, mothers need information on providing a proper care for LBW, and family empowerment can significantly improve maternal knowledge and health status of LBW infants.

Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Mothers of Low-Birthweight Infants: A Link between Defective Placental Vascularization and Increased Cardiovascular Risk?

Offspring birthweight is inversely associated with future maternal cardiovascular mortality, a relationship that has yet to be fully elucidated. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are thought to play a key role in vasculogenesis, and EPC numbers reflect cardiovascular risk. Our objective was to ascertain whether EPC number or function was reduced in mothers of low-birthweight infants. This was a prospective cohort study in a general antenatal department of a university maternity hospital. Twenty-three mothers of small for gestational age (SGA) infants (birthweight < 10th centile) and 23 mothers of appropriate for gestational age (AGA) infants (birthweight ≥ 10th centile) were recruited. Maternal EPC number and function, conventional cardiovascular risk markers, and cord blood adiponectin were measured. Median EPC count was lower (294 vs. 367, P = 0.005) and EPC migration was reduced (0.91 vs. 1.59, P < 0.001) in SGA compared with AGA infants, with no difference in EPC adhesion (0.221 vs. 0.284 fluorescence units, P = 0.257). Maternal triglyceride levels were higher in SGA than AGA infants (0.98 vs. 0.78 mmol/liter, P = 0.006), but there was no difference in cholesterol, glucose, insulin, glycosylated hemoglobin, adiponectin, or blood pressure. There was a moderate monotone (increasing) relationship between birthweight and umbilical cord blood adiponectin (r = 0.475, P = 0.005). Giving birth to an SGA infant was associated with lower maternal EPC number and reduced migratory function. Cord blood adiponectin was significantly correlated with birthweight.

The Proportion Of Low Birth Weight Babies Due To Small For Gestational Age (Sga) And Prematurity In Port Harcourt, South-South Nigeria - Changing Trends.

Background: Low birth weight (LBW), defined as a birth weight <2500g is basically due to prematurity or small for gestational age (SGA). These infants remain a significant public health problem in both developing and developed countries due to their significantly higher rates of morbidity and mortality.Aim: This study was undertaken to find out the proportion of LBW due to prematurity and SGA in Port Harcourt, South-South Nigeria.Study design: A retrospective chart analysis of babies admitted into the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) between January 2002 and December 2009.Results: There were a total of 7,191 admissions into the SCBU within the period with 1,941 (27%) being LBW. A total of 1,463 (75.4%) were preterm LBW while 478 (24.6%) were SGA. Within the same period, there were a total of 20,209 booked live deliveries in the hospital, of which 2,046 were low birth weight babies [preterm LBW 1314(64.2%); term LBW 732 (30.8%)] giving a LBW incidence of 10.1%. The differences in the mean age and height of mothers who delivered an SGA and preterm infant were not statistically significant (p = 0.3 and 0.5 respectively). When compared to mothers of normal weight babies, mothers of LBW babies were significantly younger (p = 0.01) and shorter (p = 0.0001). Identified predisposing factors in preterms were hypertensive disorders, multiple births, antepartum haemorrhages and preterm prelabour rupture of membranes while for SGA, factors identified were malaria in pregnancy, congenital abnormality, multiple gestation, and hypertensive disorders. Mortality was significantly higher in the low birth weight (p=0.000).Conclusion: There seems to be a changing trend in the cause of LBW in our region with prematurity accounting for the greater proportion as found in developed countries. Interventions to prevent the causes of preterm delivery will go a long way in reducing the incidence of LBW in the South South region.

Factors affecting low birth weight at four central hospitals in vientiane, Lao PDR.

The purpose of this study was to determine the factors affecting low birth weight (LBW) at four central hospitals in Vientiane, the capital city of Lao PDR. We collected data from 235 mothers with LBW babies and 265 with babies of normal birth weight (NBW) who had delivered them at four central hospitals from March to June of 2008. Among the mothers of LBW babies, 84.7% were aged 18-35 years, 7.7% aged < 18 years, and another 7.7% aged > 35 years, while the corresponding figures among those with NBW babies were 97.7%, 1.1%, and 1.1%, respectively. The mothers in a low income group earning < 1 million Kips (1 USD = 8,700 Kips) per month numbered 68.9% for the LBW group and 15.1% for the NBW group. We estimated both odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to explore associations between LBW outcomes and related factors. Significant associations with LBW were found for delivery at age < 18 years (OR = 8.6, 95% CI = 2.4-30.7), monthly family income < 1 million Kips (OR = 13.9, 95% CI = 8.8-21.9), physical labor during pregnancy (OR = 5.0, 95% CI = 3.1-8.1), and first child birth (OR = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.5-3.3). Mothers with an inadequate level of knowledge regarding healthy pregnancy practices were at 10.1 times higher risk of developing LBW babies (95% CI = 6.7-15.2). Mothers lacking adequate nutritional practices were more prone to deliver LBW babies with an OR of 8.9 (95% CI = 5.6-14.3). The ORs of LBW babies for those factors were high among Lao mothers. Improving a mother's knowledge of and practice for a healthy pregnancy needs to be emphasized to reverse these LBW trends.

Mothers' response on Kangaroo Mother Care intervention for preterm infants

Background The low birth weight still remains the main causeof neonatal deaths. Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) program canprovide a better care for low birth weight newborn infants throughskin-to-skin contact.Objective The aim of this study was to assess factors andresponses from mothers that would influence the re-introductionand re-implementation of KMC at neonatology ward, CiptoMangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta.Methods This was a prospective preliminary study usingquestionnaires, to mothers oflow birth weight infants who wouldundergo KMC in neonatal ward.Results Most mothers felt sad, guilty, worried, afraid and notconfident when they first saw their babies, thus, they were initiallydoubtful and afraid in the beginning of KMC. But, after KMCwas implemented, most of the mothers found positive effectson mother-infant bonding, maternal affection in love or touch,breastfeeding and mother's confidence in newborn care.Conclusions KMC provides benefits for mothers. Most mothersyield positive response when implementing KMC program to theirinfants.

Comparison of gestational age at birth based on last menstrual period and ultrasound during the first trimester

Reported last menstrual period (LMP) is commonly used to estimate gestational age (GA) but may be unreliable. Ultrasound in the first trimester is generally considered a highly accurate method of pregnancy dating. The authors compared first trimester report of LMP and first trimester ultrasound for estimating GA at birth and examined whether disagreement between estimates varied by maternal and infant characteristics. Analyses included 1867 singleton livebirths to women enrolled in a prospective pregnancy cohort. The authors computed the difference between LMP and ultrasound GA estimates (GA difference) and examined the proportion of births within categories of GA difference stratified by maternal and infant characteristics. The proportion of births classified as preterm, term and post-term by pregnancy dating methods was also examined. LMP-based estimates were 0.8 days (standard deviation = 8.0, median = 0) longer on average than ultrasound estimates. LMP classified more births as post-term than ultrasound (4.0% vs. 0.7%). GA difference was greater among young women, non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic women, women of non-optimal body weight and mothers of low-birthweight infants. Results indicate first trimester report of LMP reasonably approximates gestational age obtained from first trimester ultrasound, but the degree of discrepancy between estimates varies by important maternal characteristics.

Feeding and care of low-birthweight babies in two rural communities in south-western Nigeria.

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to highlight the sociocultural beliefs and practices relating to the care and feeding of low-birthweight (LBW) babies in two rural communities in the south-west of Nigeria. Data from 60 mothers and their newborns and community care providers were collected using qualitative instruments. The 60 mothers [30 mothers of LBW and 30 of normal-birthweight (NBW) infants] were identified through key informants, snowball approach and information obtained from community healthcare providers. The mean weight at recruitment of the LBW and NBW babies studied was 1680 +/- 440 and 2990 +/- 450 g respectively. Only two of the 60 mothers in the study delivered in orthodox health facilities, because in most cases these facilities were unaffordable, inaccessible and incompatible with rural lifestyles/beliefs. Most of the mothers believed that exclusive breastfeeding was not adequate for the LBW babies, and so herbal mixtures believed to accelerate growth were given in addition to breast milk. The use of forced hand-feeding and feeding bottles was universal among the mothers of LBW babies in order to 'increase the volume of feeds the baby gets'. Herbal dressing was used for cord and anterior fontanel care, while the babies were kept warm by using extra clothing, lighted lanterns and shutting of the windows. Five (16.7%) LBW infants and 1 (3.3%) NBW baby died, while 12 (40%) LBW, compared with 4 (13.3%) NBW infants, were hospitalized during the study. The findings of this study serve to identify the cultural beliefs and values around the care of LBW infants. Interventions designed to improve neonatal survival must therefore, take cognizance of these beliefs, customs and practices, in order to ensure effective and proper care of the LBW infants.

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Maternal risk factors associated with low birth weight in Karachi: a case-control study

To evaluate maternal risk factors associated with low birth weight (LBW) among women aged 15-35 years, we carried out a hospital-based, case-control study on 262 cases (mothers of neonates weighing < or = 2.5 kg) and 262 controls (mothers of neonates weighing > 2.5 kg). Odds of delivering a low-birth-weight baby decreased with increase in maternal haemoglobin [odds ratio (OR): 0.701; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.62-0.79]. Odds were greater among mothers not using iron supplements during pregnancy (OR: 2.88; 95% CI: 1.83-4.54). Mothers of LBW babies had lower haemoglobin levels before delivery.

Frequency of prenatal care visits by ethnic minority mothers and association with infant birthweight in Bac Kan province, Vietnam

The objective of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the association between prenatal care visits and infant birthweight among ethnic minority mothers in the mountainous Bac Kan province. This was done by comparing the frequency and timing of first prenatal care visit of 32 mothers with low birthweight (LBW) infants and 32 mothers with normal birthweight (NBW) infants. During pregnancy, mothers of NBW infants underwent 3.4+/-1 (mean) prenatal care visits and mothers of LBW infants 2.8+/-0.9 (P = 0.02). Mothers of NBW infants underwent their first prenatal care visit at 13.1+/-5.7 weeks of gestation, one week earlier than mothers of LBW infants. The frequency of prenatal care visit are probably associated with a decreased risk of LBW among ethnic minority mothers in Bac Kan province.