ABSTRACT
Low birth weight [LBW] is one of the most important causes of mortality in newborns, therefore identifying the associated risk factors is of crucial necessity. To investigate the risk factors among women during the pregnancy leading to delivery of a LBW infants. This was a case-control study in which the data from 191 infants characteristic of LBW as cases [chosen out of a total of 203] and 199 normal infants as controls were compared. Controls were intentionally chosen to be the next live birth to the LBW infant. Statistical univariate analyses were performed using t-test and X2 test. Also, Multiple Logistic Regression was employed to identify the risk factors associated with LBW. Univariate analysis showed that LBW was related to gestational age [p<0.001], mother's weight [p=0.004], mother's higth [p=0.001], mother's age [p=0.040], history of chronic desease in mother [p=0.026], bleeding during pregnancy [p=0.007], mother's education level [p =0.003], and birth order [p=0.047]. Logistic Regression [multivariable analysis] revealed that, in presence of all factors, LBW was only associated with gestational age, mother's higth, bleeding durring pregnancy, and the history of chronic desease in mother with odd ratios of 1.77, 1.90, 0.60, 0.66, respectively, Increased gestational age, appropriate management of bleeding durring pregnancy and also of mothers' chronic desease could reduce the chance of LBW