Correlation between low birth weight and stressful life events

Abstract Background: Low birth weight is one of the risk factors associated with neonatal morbidity and mortality. The relationship between stressful life events and low birth weight is not well documented. Objective: To determine the association between low birth weight and stressful life events. Methods: This was a correlational study with a continuous sampling method. A total of 1182 mothers with singleton pregnancy, between 37 to 42 weeks of gestation with no pregnancy complications/or known physical or psychological disorders and with low birth weight babies were investigated. Data were collected using SRRS questionnaires combined with interviews at two state run delivery rooms in Qum, southeast of Tehran, Iran. Statistically, chi square test, exact Fisher test, Mantel-Haenszel and stepwise logistics regression were used in analyzing the data. Findings: Our findings were indicative of the presence of a statistically significant correlation between low birth weight and change in frequency of domestic arguments (p=0.003), beginning or ending of school course (p=0.000), and also school change (p=0.02). No significant association between the low birth weigh and the number and intensity of stresses was established. Conclusion: Based on data found in present study, educational and counseling programs for pregnant women to ease their hardships in facing unpleasant events and also improving their coping abilities against stressful situations is suggested.