Socioeconomic and gestational determinants of birth weight of term infants

Resumen

Objective: To identify the social and gestational factors associated with birth weight of full-term newborns. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2004 and July 2005. The information was obtained through the Statement of Live Birth and subsequent home visit after the child’s birth. Results: The mean birth weight in the sample was 3,146 (± 375 grams), and the incidence of low birth weight was 7.5%. In the multivariate analysis female children, maternal age less than 19 years, smoking during pregnancy and greater overcrowding in the home were associated with significantly lower mean birth weight. The most significant difference was seen among children whose mothers were smokers, with a mean birth weight less than 258grs compared to nonsmoking mothers (p = 0.001). Jointly, these factors accounted for 16% of the variation in birth weight. Conclusion: Greater investment in primary care is required, in an attempt to reduce the number of adolescent pregnancies and smoking during pregnancy, among other factors relevant to the health of the newborn