Prevalence and risk factors for low birth weight in Ardabil, Iran

Introduction: To determine prevalence and risk factors associated with low birth weight in Ardebil, Iran. Materials and methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted between Nov 2010-July 2011 in all three maternal hospitals in Ardabil. Of 6832 live births 358 neonates had a birth weight<2500 g, was taken as a case and 705 of normal neonates was taken as a control. Data were listed in a self designed questionnaire from review of prenatal and hospital delivery records. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to obtain the magnitude of association between the independent variables and low birth weight. Results: The incidence of LBW was 6.3% and among these, 84.2% were preterm and 15.8% had intrauterine growth retardation. Hypertension (OR 8.64, CI 2.63-28.31), multiple pregnancy (OR 7.62, CI 3.09-13.32), leakage (OR 4.46, CI: 2.11-9.42), Oligohydramnios (OR 4.28, CI 1.90-9.76), history of preterm birth (OR 2.84, CI 1.20-6.71), bleeding or spotting (OR 2.36, CI 1.41-3.95) were determined as important risk factors for preterm LBW. Risk of low birth weight in term infants increased by her multiple pregnancy (OR 3.77, CI 1.41-10.0), bleeding and spotting (OR 2.23, CI 1.22-4.07), urinary tract infection in weeks 26-30 of pregnancy (OR 2.42, CI 1.11-5.26) and spouse smoking (OR=2.24, CI: 1.07-4.68, P=0.031). Conclusions: Delivering quality health care for all pregnant women and early detection and control of hypertension, urinary tract infection, and bleeding or spotting and leakage during pregnancy may significantly reduce the rate of low birth weight and improve public health in this area.