Maternal Risk Factors for Low Birthweight Neonates in Sana'a city. Yemen: A Case-Control Study

Abstract

Background: Low birthweight (LBW) describes neonates weighing less than 2500 g at birth and is a common obstetric presentation. Therefore, this study determined the risk factors associated with LBW in Sana’a city, Yemen, with focus on khat chewing during pregnancy. Subjects and Methods: This case-control study recruited 35 mothers with LBW neonates as cases and 105 mothers with normal birthweight neonates as controls. Data about sociodemographic characteristics, maternal habits and obstetric characteristics were collected using a pre-designed questionnaire. Results: Consanguinity and smoking were predictors of LBW neonates in Sana’a city, while khat chewing was not associated with LBW. A history of maternal LBW and a family history of LBW were associated with LBW, whereas no significant association was found between LBW and parity, birth spacing, antenatal care, or frequency of antenatal visits. Conclusion: Consanguinity and smoking are predictors of LBW neonates in Sana’a city. Further large-scale studies are recommended to explore risk factors associated with LBW at the community level.