Multinomial logistic regression analysis on factors associated with low birth weight

  Objective   To investigate the risk factors for low birth weight newborns.

  Methods   190 low birth weight newborns(preterm low birth weight newborns: 79, term low birth weight newborns: 111)and 750 infants of the control group were investigated using questionnaire.Multinomial logistic regression analysis was applied to analyze the related risk factors for low birth weight.

  Results   there were positive relations between preterm low birth weight newborns and mothers who induced abortion, maternal age above 35, BMI above 28 befor e pregnancy, stress in pregnancy, anemia, fathers drinking alcohol, mother smoking in pregnancy(OR=1.067-10.026, P < 0.05, 0.001).The factors which could increase the risk of low birth weight newborns included abortion mothers, mothers with light weight before pregnancy, mothers and fathers who were peasants, mothers who were teachers(OR=1.114-18.335, P < 0.05, 0.001).The factors which were related to preterm low birth weight newborns and term low birth weight newborns were multiparity, little preterm care, maternal height, hypertension in pregnancy and family income, etc.

  Conclusion   Lowbirth weight was caused by many factors.Comprehensive measure should be taken to reduce morbidity of low birth weight newborns.