Reproductive and behavioural risk factors of low birthweight among newborns in Al Thawra Hospital, Sana’a, Yemen

Background Low birth weight can lead to infant death, especially during the first year of life. Aims To assess risk factors related to low birth weight babies in Sana'a, Yemen. Methods We conducted an unmatched case-control study of 252 women who came for delivery at Al Thawra Hospital, Sana'a, Yemen, between August and October 2016. Results Significant risk factors for low birth weight were: birth interval < 2 years; history of pre-eclampsia during current pregnancy; preterm gestational age < 37 weeks; and khat chewing or smoking during pregnancy. After controlling for all the confounders, only birth interval < 2 years was significantly associated with low birth weight. Conclusion Shorter birth interval is an important risk factor for low birth weight; therefore, improving maternal awareness of this should be emphasized during postnatal follow-up.