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Epidemiology of low birth weight in Iran: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Mehdi Shokri1, Parviz Karimi1, Hadis Zamanifar2

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran.

Heliyon
|June 2, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Low birth weight (LBW) affects nearly 8% of newborns in Iran, with girls more susceptible. Key risk factors include maternal age, lower education, inadequate prenatal care, and previous pregnancy complications.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology
  • Reproductive Health

Background:

  • Low birth weight (LBW) is a critical indicator of newborn health and overall public health.
  • Understanding the prevalence and associated risk factors of LBW in Iran is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the prevalence of low birth weight (LBW) in Iran.
  • To identify significant risk factors contributing to LBW.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive meta-analysis adhering to PRISMA guidelines was conducted.
  • Extensive literature searches were performed across international and Iranian databases up to 2019.
  • Data from 62 studies encompassing 301,839 newborns were analyzed using a random effects model.

Main Results:

  • The overall prevalence of LBW in Iran was found to be 7.95%, with a higher incidence in girls (8.41%) compared to boys (6.67%).
  • Significant risk factors identified include advanced maternal age (>35 years), adolescent pregnancy (<18 years), lower educational attainment, pre-pregnancy weight under 50 kg, and inadequate prenatal care.
  • Other contributing factors encompass short interpregnancy intervals, history of LBW, multiple births, abortion, vaginal bleeding, hypertension, and preeclampsia.

Conclusions:

  • Low birth weight (LBW) represents a significant public health concern in Iran.
  • The findings provide a national database valuable for Iranian health policymakers and planners to address LBW effectively.
Abstract

Keywords:
IranLow birth weightPediatricsPrevalencePublic healthRisk factorsmeta-analysis

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