study of selected social and clinical predisposing factors to low birth weight in an Egyptian community

ABSTRACT

A study of the predisposing social and clinical factors of low birth weight [LBW] was undertaken at University Hospital of Zagazig. The study population consisted of 66 mothers of singleton LBW infants and 134 mothers of singleton normal birth weight infants [NBW]. Factors related to low birth weight, socioeconomic, demograhic, interpregnancy interval, maternal weight gain and complications during pregnancy have been analyzed. The incidence of LBW was estimated to be 8.21%. Women in the younger age group [<20] and older age group [>/= 35] were more likely to be at higher risk of LBW. The percentage of LBW was significantly higher among house-wives [86.3%]. No significant relation was found between social class, number of antenatal visits and low birth weight. The proportion of LBW was significantly the lowest among mothers of parity 2 and 3 and the highest for babies whose mothers were primipare and those who were 5 para or more. Other significant factors associated with the risk of LBW included; short interpregnancy interval [<6 months] reduced maternal weight gain [<7 Kg] and presence of pregnancy complications