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Journal of Nutrition & Food Sciences

Journal of Nutrition & Food Sciences
Open Access

ISSN: 2155-9600

Abstract

Epidemiology of Low Birth Weight in the Town of Sidi Bel Abbes (West of Algeria): A Case-Control Study

Ghani AEA, Mai H and Demmouche A

Introduction: The Low birth weight is defined as a live birth weighting less than 2500 g and it is considered to be a major determinant of the child survival, his health and development. Objective: This study examined the frequency and risk factors that influence birth weight <2.5 kg (LBW) in the region of Sidi bel Abbes (west of Algeria). Materials and methods: A descriptive prospective case-control study was done during the period of June 2012 to January 2013. Total samples were 1828 pregnant women and their newborns in neonatology department of Hospital Obstetrics and Gynecology in Sidi bel Abbes west Algeria. Results: At the end of this work, it appears a prevalence of 1828 new born, including maximum newborn babies 92.97% had birth weight 2.5 Kg or more and 128 newborns with low birth weight <2.5 Kg, or a rate of 7.02%. It was found that mean weight of newborn babies was 3386.95 ± 560.70 (g). This study confirms the close association between low birth weight newborn and prematurity, primiparity, short interpregnancy interval, multiple pregnancy, previous history of low birth weight, delayed of first antenatal visit, low pre-pregnancy BMI, gestational weight gain less than the recommendations, primary educated mothers, other complications and diseases which contributed to high prevalence of LBW included hypertension and gestational diabetes. Conclusion: It is essential to do a searching for pregnancies with higher risk of LWB like those who are primiparous or have short birth intervals, and it is also important to have better and more attentive prenatal care in order to reduce the incidence of LBW.

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