Pregnancy outcome variables and associated factors in different nationalities living in Kuwait

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to investigate differences in pregnancy outcome among various nationalities residing in Kuwait. Cross-sectional data were collected from 369 mother–infant dyads at delivery on mother height [MH], mother haemoglobin [mHb], child haemoglobin [cHb], mid-upper arm circumference [MUAC], gestational age [GA], placental weight [PW], birth weight [BW], crown–heal length [CHL], and head circumference [HC]. Significant differences among various nationalities were observed in mHb, HC, CHL, PW and MH. Kuwaiti and Indian women had lower PW and their babies had lower HC and CHL. Prevalence of anaemia [Hb <11.0 g/dL] ranged from 7.1% [Lebanese] to 30.0% [Kuwaiti] with the overall prevalence of 19.5%. Prevalence of low birth weight was 3.5%. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed PW as a significant predictor of BW, CHL and HC. Significant differences among various nationalities were observed in mHb, HC, CHL, PW and MH.The significance of these differences and their contributing factors needs further research