Document Type
Article
Department
Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Abstract
Low birthweight (LBW) remains a significant public health problem in Pakistan and further understanding of factors associated with LBW is required. We conducted a hospital-based matched case control study to identify risk factors associated with LBW in a rural district of Pakistan. We found that illiteracy (AOR: 2.68; 95% CI: 1.59 - 4.38), nulliparity (AOR: 1.82; 95% CI: 1.26-2.44), having a previous miscarriage/abortion (AOR: 1.22; 95% CI: 1.06-2.35), having < 2 antenatal care (ANC) visits during last pregnancy (AOR: 2.43; 95% CI: 1.34-2.88), seeking ANC in third trimester (AOR: 3.62; 95% CI : 2.14-5.03), non-use of iron folic acid during last pregnancy (AOR: 2.72; 95% CI: 1.75-3.17), having hypertension during last pregnancy (AOR: 1.42; 95% CI: 1.13-2.20), being anemic (AOR: 2.67; 95% CI: 1.65-5.24) and having postpartum weight of <45 kg (AOR: 3.30; 95% CI : 1.97-4.52) were significantly associated with an increased odds of having a LBW baby. Our study identifies modifiable risk factors requiring immediate commitment from the health authorities.
Publication (Name of Journal)
East Mediterr Health J
Recommended Citation
Habib, A.,
Greenow, C. R.,
Arif, S.,
Soofi, S.,
Hussain, A.,
Junejo, Q.,
Hussain, A.,
Shaheen, F.,
Black, K. I.
(2018). Factors associated with low birthweight in term pregnancies: a matched case–control study from rural Pakistan. East Mediterr Health J, 23(11), 754-763.
Available at:
https://ecommons.aku.edu/pakistan_fhs_mc_women_childhealth_obstet_gynaecol/196