Determining risk factors associated with low birth weight of newborns in Birjand: A case-control study

Background: Low birth weight is a major indicator of health assessment in neonates and infants and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality of infants. Low birth weight of newborns can be prevented by identification and control of the associated risk factors. This study aimed to investigate factors associated with low birth weight of newborns in the city of Birjand. Methods: This case-control study incorporated babies born in Birjand in 2015. Newborns weighing less than 2500 grams (N=140) were considered as the case group and those weighing more than 2500 g were regarded as the control group. For every member of the case group, two controls that were closest to birthdate of the case were selected from the Office of Continuous Care for Under One Year Infants. The data obtained were analyzed in SPSS-16, and the significant level was considered at α=0.05. Results: The chance of low birth weight in women with a history of low birth weight labor was 3.54 times greater than other women. The chances were 28.38 and 9.44 times greater in mothers with pluriparity and hypertension, respectively. However, parity rank, interval from previous delivery, type of birth, season of birth, abortion history, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia were not significantly associated with the incidence of low birth weight. Conclusions: As low birth weight is associated with some preventable factors, measures such as training people, especially women and young girls, and provision of quality care during pregnancy are recommended, especially in the case of high risk pregnancies.