Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to estimate the birth weight distribution and
prevalence of low birth weights (LBW) in Irbid, Jordan, and to determine some of the
contributing risk factors.
Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional design was used to study women who
delivered in Prince Rashed Hospital (PRH). Respondents were 2256 mothers ranging in
age from 15-45 years. Anthropometric measurements and interviews were used to
determine the risk factors. The birth weights and anthropometric measurements of all
babies born alive in PRH during the period were collected. Post-delivery weight and
other measurements of respondents were also collected.
Results: The mean birth weight of the newborns in the study was 2812 g. Twenty-two
percent of the newborns weighed between 700 and 2499 g. About 39% of respondents
had urinary tract infection while 29% suffered from anemia, and 10% had bleeding
during pregnancy. All anthropometric measurements were significantly associated with
LBW.
Conclusion: Mothers who were younger in age at their first delivery, had low postdelivery weight, and bled during pregnancy, were more likely to have LBW babies. There
is also a need to discourage early pregnancies and to encourage utilization of mother and
child health services, and treat concomitant illnesses during pregnancy. (Rawal Med J
2006;31: 61-63)
Key Words: Low birth weight, anemia, urinary tract infection, bleeding
