Low birth weight : a descriptive study of risk factors

Abstract

To define maternal risk factors for the birth of a low birth weight infant specific to Department of Defense (DoD) beneficiaries, a secondary data analysis was conducted on DoD data. Verran's (1997) theory-driven framework for outcome research was used to guide the selection of process and structural variables. The study controlled for structure by limiting subjects to those delivering in a facility with a neonatal intensive care unit. Using maternal risk factors for LBW identified by literature review, a group of subjects with LBW (220) were compared to a group without LBW (223) using logistic regression. Maternal risk factors of multiple gestation (OR= 5.00), race being black (OR =2.59), and history of asthma (3.39) were found to be significant risk factors for the DoD population. Variables identifying the intensity of care were also analyzed and nonstress tests, fetal ultrasounds, and antepartum visits were significant variables related to the LBW outcome.