Risk factors of low birth weight among neonates at A Tertiary Care Hospital Karachi.

Objective: To determine frequency and risk factors of low birth weight (LBW) among neonates at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of National Institute of Child Health. Period: December 2022 to May 2023. Material & Methods: Neonates newly admitted in NICU were enrolled into study. In accordance with World Health Organization criteria, LBW was defined as birth weight <2500 grams. Clinical and demographic details of mothers were retrieved. Frequency and risk factors of LBW among neonates were noted. Results: In a total of 212 neonates, 117 (55.2%) were boys. Mode of delivery was spontaneous vaginal delivery in 118 (55.7%) cases. The median maternal age was 25.5 (IQR=22-30) years. There were 172 (81.1%) cases that were prebooked. Median birth weight was 2.8 (IQR=2.5-3.1) grams. The frequency of LBW was noted in 45 (21.2%). On multivariable regression model, maternal age, education, antenatal care visit, birth interval, presence of hypertension and anemia during pregnancy were found to be independent (p<0.05) predictors of LBW. Conclusion: The frequency of LBW among neonates admitted in NICU was high. Maternal age, educational status, antenatal care, birth interval, hypertension and anemia were independent predictors of LBW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]