Low birth weight in Jordan: a hospital-based study

Abstract

Background: Low birth weight (LBW) is one of the leading causes of neonatal and infant morbidity and mortality.Objective: To determine the prevalence and possible risk factors associated with LBW in four regional hospitals in Jordan.Methods: This retrospective study analyzed the medical records of all singleton live births for the period 2011-2015.Results: A total of 22,789 singleton live births were included for this study. Of these, 4133 (18%) had a LBW. Rates of LBW increased over the 5 years study period. Factors associated with LBW were preterm birth, pregnancy complications or comorbidities, older maternal age (≥35 years), first-born infants, and having a female baby.Conclusion: Midwives' assessment and health education messages to mothers included awareness of risk factors associated with LBW of neonates in Jordan. Effective public health interventions need to highlight the importance of a healthy diet and valuing female off-spring.

Keywords: Jordan; low birth weight; retrospective chart audit; risk factors.