Low birth weight in western Iraq

ABSTRACT

In Iraq, several reports documented an increase in the prevalence of low birth weight [LBW] in the last 3 decades. This study was carried out to report on the rate of LBW in western Iraq during the period of widespread violence. All singleton live births in Al-Ramadi Maternity and Pediatrics hospital during the period of 1 st April to 1st October 2006, were included in the study. All the neonates were checked for birth weight and the expanded parelled was used to assess gestational age. Multiple logistic regressions was used to estimate odd ratio for LBW. A total of 400 singleton live birth were included in the study. Over all 31% of were LBW, and 67% of them were preterm. Maternal age, parties, education, lack of antenatal care and history of LBW and prematurity were risk factors. LBW and preterm birth neonates are still highly prevalent in Iraq and reflect the effect of sanctions, Gulf wars and widespread violence