Prevalence and Predictors of Low Birth Weight in Guilan, Iran

Abstract

Introduction: The survivance of newborn in unfavorable circumstances was determined by birth weight. Maternal adverse demographic circumstances and illnesses are the risky factors in which the fetal conditions are described.Objectives: This study aimed to determine prevalence and predictors of low birth weight (LBW) in Guilan, Iran.Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study on 560 pregnant women attending healthcare centers of Rasht, Iran, from March 2012 to March 2013. Data collections were based on their health record information in health centers. Finally, relationship between infant birth weight with maternal demographic characteristics and predictor’s factors and data was analyzed statistically.Results: The mean infant birth weight obtained was 3266.14 gm while the prevalence of low birth weight (LBW) was 4.1%. According to the analysis, the factors associated with LBW were: mother pre-pregnancy, body mass index, hypertension, pre-eclampsia, preterm rupture of membrane, preterm labor and neonatal sex. The significant risk factors for infant birth weight were: birth interval, mother’s weight gain during pregnancy, gestational age, preterm labor and hypertension.Conclusions: Maternal biosocial, medical and obstetric factors have strong association with LBW