Sociodemographic determinants of low birthweight in Greece: a population study

A total population sample of 10,654 singleton births from the Greek National Perinatal Survey of April 1983 was analysed to identify factors independently associated with low birthweight (LBW). The sample was divided into two groups according to the gravidity of the mothers (3368 primigravidae and 7286 multigravidae). Data examined included regional characteristics, marital status, age at and duration of marriage, parental ages at delivery, crowding in the home, insurance status, parental occupational classification and parental education levels. Logistic regression was used to define the socio-economic and demographic characteristics independently associated with the delivery of an LBW singleton baby. Significantly different LBW rates were found among the two groups: 4.3% in the primigravidae and 5.2% for multigravidae. For primigravidae significant associations were found with marital status, maternal occupation and father's education, while for multigravidae significant features were mother's education and place (region) of residence. The study showed little to assist in devising strategies of primary prevention of LBW in Greece.