MATERNAL RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH LOW BIRTH WEIGHT AT MATERNITY TEACHING HOSPITAL IN ERBIL CITY : A CASE CONTROL STUDY

Abstract

The weight of the newborn is not only the most important parameter reflecting the status of maternal health and nutrition, but it is also a universal predictor of neonatal morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to explore the main risk factors of low birth weights babies in Erbil city. A descriptive - case-control study was conducted on 200 mothers, who delivered their baby at the maternity teaching hospital in Erbil city, during the period 1^stDecember, 2013 to 7^th June, 2014. A special questionnaire was formulated by the researchers concerning the risk factors of the low birth baby. The questionnaire was validated through panels of experts and reliability (r = 87), direct interview was conducted for data collection. Analysis of data was done using descriptive statistics; frequency and percentage mean and standard deviation, and Inferential statistical analysis; Chi-square test, Fishers test Correlation coefficient. All the statistical procedures were tested at P = 0.05. The results showed that the highest percentage of mothers with low birth weight baby suffered hypertension, anemia, hypoglycemia, irregular prenatal care, during pregnancy period. A highly significant relationship was found between low birth weight and maternal risk factors. Anemia and gapping in childbirth was the most risk factors associated low birth weight. The study recommended a health educational program for all mothers during pregnancy to avoid low birth weight.