Abstract
Low birth weight babies have been defined by W.H.O as weight at birth of less than 2.5 kg. It contributes substantially to neonatal, infant and childhood mortality as well as morbidity. Across the world neonatal mortality is 20 times more likely for low birth weight babies compared to heavier babies (> 2.5 kg). The World Health Organization has estimated that annually 24 million LBW infants are born in developing countries. As the prevalence of LBW infants is around 5% in many industrialized countries, it changes between 5-30% in underdeveloped or developing countries. One of the goals of the 1990 World Summit for Children was to reduce the prevalence of low birth weight to less than 10% by the year 2000. However, this remains a formidable challenge to-date. Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of low birth weight among babies registered in the primary health care centers in Abha city and to identify the factors that determines Low Birth Weight among these babies. Subjects and methods This study followed a cross-sectional design. It was conducted in Abha City, which is the capital of Aseer Region in Saudi Arabia. Results: 18.8 ''% of the studied babies had LBW. The present study showed that birth weight was significantly associated with level of utilization of antenatal care. Maternal age is an important risk factor related to birth weight of the neonate. Mothers less than 20 years of age had increased proportion of LBW babies. LBW was more common in female babies as compared to male babies. working mothers are at increased risk of having LBW infants, Mothers had previous abortion, preeclampsia, hypertension or anemia had LBW babies. Conclusion: It is concluded from this study that young maternal age, maternal work, poor antenatal care, maternal anemia, and pregnancy induced medical ailments have strong association with low birth weight. To overcome these problems, the mother and child health care services should receive special attention and mothers must be encouraged to attend the PCCCs regularly for antenatal care. [Faten M. R. Ismaeil, and Hasssan Al Mosa. Prevalence and Determinants of Low Birth Weight in Abha City. KSA. Life Sci J 2012;9(4):2490-2495]. (ISSN: 1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 368