[Factors associated with low birth weight in Tunisian Sahel]

The aim of this study, which was carried out in the area of Monastir from September 1st to December 31, 1989 was to evaluate the incidence of and to identify the factors associated with low birth weight (LBW). The results showed that LBW neonates make up 7.6% (n = 413) of the 5,419 live births, 57.4% of which being small for dates at term. 48% of prematures also had intra-uterine growth retardation. The average LBW was 1,913 +/- 497 g (20% of the LBW neonates had a weight below 1,500 g). Factors associated with LBW were: extreme ages of the mothers, illiteracy, working class, previous history of stillbirth or death before 1 year of age, abnormal issue of the previous pregnancy, multiple pregnancies, insufficient medical supervision and prenatal care, congenital malformations in the child. Improvement in prenatal care and adequate monitoring of at risk pregnancies might decrease the occurrence of LBW in this Tunisian area.