OBJECTIVES: to identify and describe potential low birth weight determinants (LBW) and prevalence, using some of the variables present in the "Born Alive Statement." METHODS:cross-sectional and analytic study of 3.931 single births at hospitals in Itaúna between 1997 and 2000 using data from the Born Alive National Surveillance System (SINASC - Sistema Nacional dos Nascidos Vivos). RESULTS: LBW prevalence was 7,0%, but 5,3% newborns were small for gestational age (SGA). The bivariate analysis performed detected statistically significant associations between LBW and prematurity, teenage mothers, older mothers, mothers with elementary schooling only and prenatal care less or equal to six medical visits. Independent determinants for LBW assessed by logistic regression were pregnancy duration under 37 weeks (OR = 54), mother's age under 20 years old (OR = 1,44), mother's age over 35 years old (OR = 1,60), mother's low education level (OR = 1,39) and female babies (OR = 1,48). CONCLUSIONS: LBW (weight under 2.500g) due to its strong relationship with child morbidity and mortality should focus on biologic and environmental determinants and intrauterine fetal growth retardation surveillance.
Infant, low birth weight; Placent insufficency; Risk factors
