Low birth weight: incidence and obstetric risk Factors in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT

Low birth weight [LBW] is a major determinant of perinatal survival and postnatal morbidity. It is an indicator of socioeconomic development of the community. In this study we determined the occurrence of LBW among Saudi newborns and its relation to the obstetric history of their mothers. The birth weight of all Saudi infants born in King Khalid University Hospital [KKUH] between 1992 and 1995 and the obstetric history of their mothers were investigated. A total of 14747 newborn were included in the study, their weight ranged from 500-7000 g. The incidence of LBW [<2500 g] was 7.7%. [1141]. Results of multivariate logistic regression showed that the major obstetric risk factors are maternal age < 20 years [OR = 1.41, CI.07-1.85], primiparity [OR=1.41, CI.11-1.77], prematurity [OR=53.72, CI=45.66-63.21] and female newborn [OR=1.36, CI=1.17 -1.58]. Multiparity [>/= 5 deliveries] and history of abortion were not found to have significant statistical association with LBW. This study shows that simple parameters that are commonly collected by health workers can be helpful in prediction of the possibility of having a LBW newborn