Low birth weight in Jordan: a hospital-based study

Background:Low birth weight (LBW) is one of the leading causes of neonatal and infant morbidity and mortality. Objective:To determine the prevalence and possible risk factors associated with LBW in four regional hospitals in Jordan. Methods:This retrospective study analyzed the medical records of all singleton live births for the period 2011-2015. Results:A total of 22,789 singleton live births were included for this study. Of these, 4133 (18%) had a LBW. Rates of LBW increased over the 5 years study period. Factors associated with LBW were preterm birth, pregnancy complications or comorbidities, older maternal age (>= 35 years), first-born infants, and having a female baby. Conclusion:Midwives' assessment and health education messages to mothers included awareness of risk factors associated with LBW of neonates in Jordan. Effective public health interventions need to highlight the importance of a healthy diet and valuing female off-spring.