Maternal Factors Associated with Term Low Birthweight Infants in Inburi Hospital

Abstract

Low birth weight among newborns remains a major global public health problem, with a continuously increasing incidence. It is associated with increased mortality and both shortand long-term complications in infants. This study aims to identify maternal risk factors associated with term low birth weight infants at Inburi Hospital. A retrospective case–control study was conducted using data from term pregnant women who delivered at the hospital between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2024. A total of 320 women were included and divided into two groups: the study group comprised 80 mothers who delivered low birthweight infants (< 2,500 g), while the control group comprised 240 mothers who delivered infants weighing ≥ 2,500 g.

The results showed that the incidence of term low birth weight infants was 7.63%. Most mothers were aged 20–34 years, had completed secondary school or vocational education, and were employed as laborers. Maternal factors including health behaviors, underlying diseases, antenatal care, and pregnancy complications were analyzed using multiple logistic regression. Four factors were found to be significantly associated with term low birth weight infants: gestational hypertension or preeclampsia (aOR = 11.32, 95% CI:3.00–42.70), fewer than five antenatal care visits according to quality criteria (aOR = 2.50, 95% CI: 1.38–4.52), primigravidity (aOR = 2.07, 95% CI: 1.18–3.64), and pre-pregnancy body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m² (aOR = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.13–0.95). Therefore, these factors should be considered together with preconception maternal health preparation, risk assessment during pregnancy, and adequate antenatal care according to quality standards.