Birth Weight Cutoff Values in Saudi Arabia
Author Information
Author(s): Al Eed Ashwaq, Alsalamah Abdullrahman, Al-Nafeesah Abdullah, Al-Wutayd Osama, Alzain Rola Yousef, Adam Ishag
Primary Institution: Qassim University
Hypothesis
What are the appropriate cutoff values for low and high birth weight in Saudi Arabia?
Conclusion
The study suggests that low birth weight should be defined as less than 2450 g and high birth weight as more than 3650 g in Saudi Arabia.
Supporting Evidence
- LBW was defined as <2450 g with an incidence of 10.5%.
- HBW was defined as >3650 g with a prevalence of 10.3%.
- The study found significant differences between the new and WHO definitions of LBW.
- The agreement rate for LBW definitions was high (kappa = 0.962).
- The study provides the first published data on LBW and HBW cutoff values in Saudi Arabia.
Takeaway
This study found that babies weighing less than 2450 grams are considered low birth weight, while those over 3650 grams are high birth weight, which helps doctors know when babies need extra care.
Methodology
A retrospective study analyzed the birth weights of 1605 neonates to determine cutoff values for low and high birth weight.
Limitations
The study's findings may not represent all regions in Saudi Arabia due to its focus on a specific area.
Participant Demographics
The median age of mothers was 33 years, with 51.6% of the neonates being female.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Confidence Interval
95.0% CI = 8.3–11.2% for LBW prevalence
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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