Effect of Maternal Malnutrition on Infant Birth Weight in Gaza Governorate

Objective:  This study was undertaken to reveal the effect of maternal malnutrition on infant birth weight, to assess the nutritional status of pregnant women, Subjects and methods:  A case control study was carried out at Al Shifa Hospital.  100 full term low birth weight infants and 200 full term normal birth weight infants and their mothers were included in the study.  Data was collected through direct methods that included hematological information and indirect methods through a structured interview questionnaire.  Results:  A lot of maternal anthropometric and nutritional factors were significantly related to infant birth weight positively; which include height, gestational weight gain, gestational age, poverty, mother education, life style. Conclusion:   This research has indicated that maternal malnutrition will affect the infant birth weight through different variables and provides possible intervention strategies that could contribute to reduce infants low birth weight in the Gaza Strip.  Recommendation:  Establish a policy and strategy by decision makers in order to improve nutritional status of pregnant women, presence of nutritionist in clinics and schools.

Key words: Maternal malnutrition; low birth weight infant; pregnant food habit.