Prevalence and risk factors of low-birth-weight infants in Zahedan, Islamic Republic of Iran.

The study investigated the prevalence and risk factors of low birth weight (LBW) in 1109 hospital births in Zahedan city, Islamic Republic of Iran. The overall prevalence of LBW was 11.8% (95% Cl: 9.9%-13.7%), similar for boys and girls (11.1% and 12.6% respectively). LBW was significantly associated with mother's ethnic origin (Balouch), birth interval < 3 years, twin birth, no use of supplements during pregnancy, < 4 prenatal care visits, no education, younger age and presence of maternal disease. There was no effect of mother's parity, occupation and smoking status. After logistic regression analysis, the only significant risk factors were: birth interval < 3 years, twin birth, no use of ferrous sulfate and maternal disease.