Socio-economic and cultural determinants of mothers and fathers for low birth weight newborns in the region of Marrakech (Morocco): A case-control study

BACKGROUND: Low birth weight (LBW) is defined as a birth weight less than 2500 g. It is an important predictor of early neonatal mortality, morbidity, and long-term health outcomes. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for low birth weight in Marrakech Morocco. METHODS: A retrospective based case-control study was conducted from July 2018 to July 2019. 462 mother infant pairs (231 low birth weight babies as cases and 231 normal birth weights as controls) were included in the study. Data were collected through face to face interview using a structured and pretested questionnaire. The collected data were managed with Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20. Bivariate and multivariate binary logistic regression were used to identify factors associated with low birth weight at p-value < 0.05 with their respective odds ratios and 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: The univariate analysis revealed the effect of the following determinants on the LBW: rural residence, father’s age, father’s professional activity, consanguinity, family type, mother’s low educational level, and mother’s intense physical activity. After the multivariate analysis, the risk factors identified were: rural residence (P = 0.017), father’s professional activity (temporarily working) (P = 0.000), absence of the consanguinity link (P = 0.016), and mother’s intense physical activity (P = 0.014). CONCLUSION: Results show father’s professional activity (temporarily working), rural residence, absence of the consanguinity link and mother’s intense physical activity are independent predictors of low birth weight. The current findings add substantially to the growing literature on the influence of parent’s socio-demographic and cultural factors on LBW in resource-constrained settings and provide empirical data for public health interventions to reduce low birth weight.