Reproductive and behavioural risk factors of low birth weight among newborns in Al Thawra Hospital, Sana’a, Yemen

Abstract

Background: Low birth weight can lead to infant death, especially during the first year of life. Aims: To assess risk factors related to low birth weight babies in Sana’a, Yemen. Methods: We conducted an unmatched case–control study of 252 women who came for delivery at Al Thawra Hospital, Sana’a, Yemen, between August and October 2016. Results: Significant risk factors for low birth weight were: birth interval < 2 years; history of pre-eclampsia during current pregnancy; preterm gestational age < 37 weeks; and khat chewing or smoking during pregnancy. After controlling for all the confounders, only birth interval < 2 years was significantly associated with low birth weight. Conclusion: Shorter birth interval is an important risk factor for low birth weight; therefore, improving maternal awareness of this should be emphasized during postnatal follow-up.