Incidence of low birth in Al-Khanssa teaching Hospital at Mosul City

Abstract EN

Background: low birth weight (LBW) is the first weight of the fetus or newborn obtained after birth.

For live births birth weight should be taken within first hour of life.

Low birth weight has been defined by the world health organization (WHO) as weight at birth of less than 2500g.

Aim of study: The study aimed to estimate the incidence of (LBW) in Al-khanssa Teaching Hospital at Mosul city.

Methodology: The setting of the study was in Al-khanssa Teaching Hospital in Mosul city.

The subjects of study was (126) of newborns who are weighing less than 2500g from the period started by the first of December, 2013 till the end of January 2014delivered in Al-khanssa Teaching Hospital.

The data were collected by questionnaire, which including: part (1) socio-demographic data (Baby weight, gender, mother age , mother occupation, address, number of previous gestation, age gestational period, type of delivery).

Part (2) risk factor that consist of (pre-eclampsia, anti-partum hemorrhage, anemia, UTI, previous LBW infections state of mother smoker or not, and twins).

The data were collected are analyzed by descriptive statistical methods Frequency and percentage.

Results: Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage) the study indicated the incidence of low birth weight was (12.6%) in Mosul city.

Conclusion: The study concluded the incidence (LBW) in AL-Khanssa Teaching Hospital low compared to the national & international rates.

Recommendation: The study recommended that Government interventions aimed at expanding access to quality and affordable health care services, and preconception counseling and care for young women is strongly encouraged.