association of maternal nutritional status, socio-demographic variables and birth weight

ABSTRACT

To determine the influence of sociodemographic and maternal nutritional status on birth weight. The study was carried out in Basrah Maternity and Children Hospital. A total of 378 newly delivered newborns and their mothers were included in the study. Data collection was achieved through a structed interview for collection of sociodemographic informations and measurements of maternal anthropometry. Data were analysed using SPSS system, P value< 0.05 was regarded as significant. The study has revealed that the mean birth weight was 3.164 and that low birth weight was detected in 18.8% of newborns. Maternal mid upper arm circumference, post partum weight hemoglobin level antenatal care, parity and maternal empolyment were signficant predictors of birth weight. In additon to that maternal anthropometry and hemoglobin level were positively correlated with low birth weight. Maternal nutritional status is the signle most important risk factor for low birth weight