Investigation of the factors related to low birth weight in the south of Iran: a case-control study

Background and Aim: Since birth weight is one of the most important health indicators, we decided to investigate the factors related to the low birth weight (LBW) of the infants in the south of Kerman Province. Material and Method: This case-control study included 300 cases of neonates in Jiroft City. 150 neonates with low birth weight (less than 2500 g) were placed in the case group and our control group included 150 neonates with normal birth weights. Data were extracted from the health documents of the neonates and categorized into four groups including demographic data of the parents, pregnancy data, parental risk behaviors and infant characteristics. Using  SPSS software version 20, data were analyzed by single and multivariate logistic regression. Results: Single-variable regression analysis showed the possibility of having LBW neonate was higher in the mothers over 35 years of age, or with a history of illness, smoking and drug abuse compared to the neonates in other groups. Also, poor care, old age of fathers and high maternal weight were associated with an increased rate of LBW. Multivariate regression analysis revealed a significant difference between all the above - mentioned variables except the age of the fathers, in relation to LBW of the neonates. In addition, low birth weight was more likely in the babies born through cesarean section and neonates born to the mothers with high school diploma compared to the neonates in other groups. Conclusion: Prevention of pregnancy at an older age, mothers' education about avoiding drug use and smoking, as well as prenatal care are suitable measures for prevention of LBW. Keywords: Low birth weight, Pregnancy, Birth weight, Risk factor.   Received: Oct 24, 2017     Accepted: Apr 9, 2018