Prevalence and Related Factors of Low Birth Weight in Mashhad, Iran

Introduction: Low birth weight (LBW) is one of the main factors for neonatal mortality and morbidity. Many factors are related with low birth weight. The present study was conducted to identify the prevalence and related factors of LBW at Mashhad, in northeast of Iran. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in all medical health centers of Mashhad during the first six months of 2010. Data collection was performed by scale, meter, and a questionnaire including two sections of neonatal factors and maternal factors. The questionnaire was completed by measuring neonate's height and weight, interviewing with mother, and investigating mother's and neonate's health files. Data was analyzed by descriptive statistics, chi-square, Fisher, independent T, and Man-witney tests by SPSS (11.5). Results: Among 2674 alive births, 297 neonates had the weight <2500 gr. Therefore the prevalence of LBW was 11.1%. The factors related to LBW were maternal age <18 yrs (P=0,019), gestational age <37 weeks (P=0.000), multi-pregnancy (P=0.000), first delivery (P=0.029), addiction to narcotics (P=0.001), smoking during pregnancy (P=0.007), history of LBW neonate (P=0.000), irregular visits during pregnancy (P=0.02), Using drugs during pregnancy (P=0.029), psychological disorders of mother (P=0.024), PROM (P=0.000), anomalies of placenta (P=0.01), oligohydramnios (P=0.01), bleeding during pregnancy (P=0.000), and preeclampsia (P=0.001). Conclusion: The prevalence of LBW in our study suggests a greater emphasis should be placed on related factors of LBW for the early detection and prevention of them.