Risk factors associated with low birth weight

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Neonatal Health
• Public Health

Background:

• Low birth weight (LBW) is a significant global contributor to infant morbidity and mortality.
• Maternal health status is intrinsically linked to the risk of LBW.
• Addressing LBW is crucial for improving child survival rates worldwide.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the incidence of low birth weight (LBW) in a specific population.
• To identify key determinants associated with LBW.
• To inform strategies for LBW prevention and reduction.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of medical records for 1,946 singleton births from 2016-2019.
• Inclusion criteria: birth weight > 500g; Exclusion criteria: multiple births, congenital anomalies, stillbirths, extreme birth weights, and Roma ethnicity.
• Statistical analysis included univariate and multivariable logistic regression to identify significant risk factors for LBW.

Main Results:

• The incidence of LBW was 13.90% (271 out of 1,946 newborns).
• Significant determinants of LBW included primary maternal education (OR=2.98), single marital status (OR=2.88), fewer than 8 prenatal care visits (OR=1.62), and preterm birth (OR=74.94).
• Preterm birth was the strongest predictor of LBW in this cohort.

Conclusions:

• Reducing LBW necessitates comprehensive strategies focusing on enhancing maternal lifestyle and care throughout pregnancy and childbirth.
• Strengthening social support systems for mothers is vital for mitigating LBW risks.
• Targeted interventions addressing maternal education, marital status, prenatal care access, and preterm birth prevention are essential.