Abstract

Abstract:
Introduction: Low birth weight is the best indicator of the impact in the health system and the best predictor of mortality and morbidity in the neonatal, post neonatal and childhood periods.
Objectives: This study was planned to study the association between birth weight and selected risk factors in Basrah governorate with special reference to: Socio demographic factors, Present obstetric history, Past obstetric history, History of Ante Natal Care, and Medical history.
Methods: This is hospital- based cross sectional study was conducted on 362 infants delivered and /or admitted to AL-Basrah-Maternity and Children Hospital. The data were collected through direct interview of the mothers using a special questionnaire form designed for the study purpose. The questionnaire included information about the following aspects socio-demographic characteristics and other clinical characteristic. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 15.
Results: The highest percentage of LBW was found among births for mothers who finished their primary education or less including illiterate, mothers in the age group30- 39 years, employed mothers, history of complications during pregnancy, preterm births, previous history of having LBW infant and short preceding birth interval (≤6 months)
Conclusion The factors which found significantly associated with LBW included: low education level, complication during pregnancy, previous history of LBW, preterm delivery, short preceding birth interval- ,No significant association was found between birth weight and the following factors, parent's age, maternal occupation, gravidity, and bad previous obstetric history, low number of ANC visits.
Keywords : low birth weight , risk factors , Basrah city
Correspondence to, Zainab Hussain Tahir Basrah Health Directorate
Zalmussazyahoocom@gmail.com