maternal factors associated with low birth weight in kashmar, iran

Background & aim: low birth weight is one of the most important reasons forneonatal mortality. increased rate of low birth weight over the past five years inkashmar has highlighted the importance of controlling and preventing thiscondition to reduce its incidence. this study was conducted to measure thefrequency of some maternal factors affecting the incidence of neonatal low birthweight.methods: this cross-sectional study was carried out on all mothers who gave birthto neonates weighing less than 2,500g from 2015 to 2016 in kashmar (n=327). tocollect the data a self-structured and valid and reliable questionnaire using closedendedinterview questions was employed. the collected data were analyzed inspss software (version 11) using descriptive and analytical statistics.results: based on the results, neonatal weight had a relationship with maternalfactors including history of hypertension, preeclampsia, infertility, the use ofassisted reproductive techniques, and self-medication (p<0.05). moreover, thefamily income had a significant relationship with neonatal weight gain (p=0.01).conclusion: it is recommended to adopt some measures to reduce the rate of lowbirth-weight. among such measures paying attention to the lower-income groups,providing pregnancy care packages, maternal training for not self-medicating, anddevoting more concern to disease preventive behaviors, such as proper control ofblood pressure during pregnancy is suggested.