Factors associated with incidence of low birth weight in teenage pregnancy at the delivery room of Nakhonphanom hospital

Abstract

Objective : The purpose of this study is to find out the factors that are associated with low birth weight (LBW) in adolescent pregnancy at Nakhon Phanom hospital.

Material and Methods : 418 adolescents who gave birth from October 2014 to September 2015 were included in the case control study. They were divided into 2 groups; 59 newborns with birthweight less than 2500 gram and 359 newborns with birthweight of 2500 grams or more. The variables studied were split into 4 sections; general data, history of delivery, history of care during pregnancy and complications during pregnancy. Data was analyzed with descriptive statistics and Chi square.

Result : Birthweight lower than 2500 grams is considered as low birthweight. The results showed that the incidence of low birthweight was 14.1%. Normal birthweight was 85.9%. The mean of birthweight was 2895.9. (X = 2295.8, SD = 374.5). The highest birthweight was 4,430 grams and the lowest was 1,980 grams. Educational level, history of premature birth or low birthweight of previous child, hemoglobin level, history of bleeding during pregnancy and type of teenage pregnancy were associated with low birthweight. The association had a statistically significant result. Age, marital status, occupation, height, mother’s weight before giving birth, numbers of pregnancy and history of abortion were not related to the incidence of low birthweight

Conclusion : According to the results, birth control in adolescents who are younger than 20 years old is recommended. Moreover, additional factors should be considered in the future studies. And long term study should be performed to follow up the growth and development of the infants to obtain the results which can be useful for developing effective strategies to create health care for these children when they grow up.