Case control study aimed at revealing risk factors of low birth weight in Yerevan city

Abstract

Low birthweight (LBW) is among the leading causes of infant mortality. While the factors associated with LBW are well studied in developed countries, little information is available on its causes in developing countries. In particular, the relative or independent contributions of established LBW risk factors are not well examined in transitional countries like Armenia. Meanwhile, a better understanding of LBW causes in developing countries is essential for designing specific cost-effective interventions aimed at reducing LBW rates. With increasing incidence of LBW in Armenia, exploring the causes of LBW has become an important task for Armenian health care authorities. This paper proposes conducting a case-control study that will reveal the contribution of selected risk factors to the incidence of LBW in the city of Yerevan, Armenia’s capital. The paper describes main LBW risk factors, discusses their relevance in Armenia, and explains study’s methodology and analytical plans. Once the study is completed, its results can be used by the Armenian Ministry of Health, international aid agencies, non-profit organizations, and other parties in devising effective policies aimed at decreasing infant morbidity and mortality in developing countries. The study will also contribute to the current knowledge on LBW risk factors.