The relationship between maternal health and neonatal low birth weight in Amman, Jordan: a case-control study

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the relationship between maternal health during pregnancy and low birth weight (LBW), as well as the impact of COVID-19 on the socio-economic status of pregnant women and its effect on LBW. The study was conducted in Amman, Jordan, and included 2260 mothers who visited Abu-Nusair comprehensive health center between January and December 2020. A matched case-control design was used with 72 cases and 148 controls selected for data collection through medical records and face-to-face interviews. Results showed that factors such as a monthly income of 400 JD or less, living with an extended family, exposure to passive smoking, maternal weight gain of 6-10 kg, maternal anemia, maternal hypertension, delivery by cesarean section, and previous history of LBW newborns were positively associated with an increased risk of LBW. Conversely, factors such as a monthly income above 700 JD, living with a core family, daily intake of iron, calcium, and vitamin D, prenatal visits, healthy food intake, and planning for pregnancy were associated with a lower risk of LBW. COVID-19 infection and its effects on work, family finances, antenatal care visits, and food supply were also positively linked with LBW. In conclusion, socioeconomic status, maternal health, COVID-19, and its impacts were significant risk factors for LBW.

Keywords: COVID-19; birth weight; neonate; pregnancy; preterm.