Maternal Risk Factors Associated with Low-Birth-Weight: A Case-Control Study

Background: Low birth weight (LBW), defined as birth weight below 2,500 g, remains a major public health concern due to its association with chronic illnesses, growth retardation, and neonatal morbidity.Maternal characteristics significantly influence fetal growth and birth weight outcomes.Methods: A hospital-based case-control study was conducted at Shanti Multispecialty Hospital, Bagalkot, Karnataka, including 200 mothers of LBW babies (cases) and 200 mothers of normal birth weight babies (controls), selected through convenience sampling.Data were obtained via structured interviews and clinical record reviews.Binary logistic regression was performed to determine associations between maternal factors and LBW.Results: Several maternal factors were significantly associated with LBW: infertility treatment (OR=4.86,95% CI: 2.19-10.78,p<0.001), history of hypertension (OR=2.86,95% CI: 1.18-6.97,p=0.021), stress during pregnancy (OR=1.79,95% CI: 1.21-2.66,p=0.004), previous LBW history (OR=2.95,95% CI: 1.75-4.99,p<0.001), antenatal hemorrhage (OR=2.99,95% CI: 1.65-5.46,p<0.001), insufficient sleep during pregnancy (OR=2.61,95% CI: 1.69-4.02,p<0.001), and gestational hypertension (OR=2.26,95% CI: 1.50-3.41,p<0.001).Joint family status was protective against LBW (OR=0.63,95% CI: 0.43-0.94,p=0.022). Conclusion:The study identified key modifiable maternal factors associated with LBW in Bagalkot.Strengthening antenatal care, addressing hypertension and stress, ensuring adequate rest, and providing targeted interventions for high-risk mothers could substantially reduce LBW prevalence.Early identification and management of these factors should be integrated into maternal health programs.