Risk factors associated with low birth weight at the Northern Regional Hospital in Belize. July-December, 2021

Abstract

Low birth weight is a significant challenge for public health. It represents one of the most important aspects that can affect a newborn to experience satisfactory growth and development. Objective: to describe the risk factors for low birth weight in pregnant women treated at the Northern Regional Hospital, Orange Walk, Belize, for a period of six months. Method: A descriptive, retrospective study was carried out, with an epidemiological approach, of 27 mothers having newborns weighing <2500 g, between July and December 2021. Results: 65% of the newborns with LBW occurred in the second semester of the year, being August, September and December the most affected months. Dystocic births (C-sections) had the highest incidence, and most of the patients came from rural areas. Urinary tract infection had the highest incidence in almost all age groups, followed by anemia and hypertension as the three more prevalent comorbidities. Low maternal weight gain can be also considered as predictor for LBW. Conclusions: Improvement of preconceptional and prenatal care is essential to prevent LBW neonates and to decrease the high morbidity and mortality associated to this condition.