[Prevalence and associated factors of low birth weight in the provincial hospital of Mohammedia--Morocco].

BACKGROUND

Low birth weight (LBW) constitutes a major public health problem, both in developed than in developing countries, due to its extent and its strong association with childhood morbidity and mortality.

OBJECTIVE

to estimate prevalence of low birth weight and determine its related factors in the Prefectoral Hospital in Mohammedia.

METHODS

We carried out a cross sectional study from May to July 2012 which concerned 713 newborns and theirs mothers. We collected information about socioeconomic and anthropometric factors and characteristics of pregnancy. A multivariate analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Among the 713 studied newborns, 38 had LBW; the prevalence of LBW was 5,3% (95% CI: 3,7%-6,9%). Factors significantly associated with LBW in multivariate analysis were: mother age ( OR 9,27; IC95%:2,15-39,85), prematurity (OR 9,34; IC95%:1,29-67,32), twin pregnancy (OR 195,07; IC 95%:30,38-125,39) and gender of new born (OR 5,26; IC 95%:1,61-17,18). Well-balanced diet (OR 0,12; IC 95%:0,04-0,34) and hours of sleep equal or more than 8 per day (OR 0,20; IC 95%:0,07-0,58) were protector factors.

CONCLUSION

Actions of education, screening and treatment of the diseases occurred in the pregnancy are necessary. Facilitating the access of pregnant women to high quality antenatal care, promoting a healthy lifestyle as a balanced diet, fighting against the active and passive smoking and offering a psychological support to the pregnant woman is necessary to reduce the prevalence of LBW and to improve the maternal and child health.