Low Birth Weight: A Descriptive Study of Risk Factors

摘要

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 non-stress tests, fetal ultrasounds, and antepartum visits were significant variables related to the LBW outcome.