Maternal factors associated with birth length in Gowa district, South Sulawesi province, Indonesia

Abstract

Objective

This study aims to determine the factors of the mother that influence the body length of the baby at birth.

Methods

This study used a cross sectional design involving 269 babies born in several health centers in Gowa district. Measurement of body length is carried out a maximum of 72 h after the baby is born, as well as the height and weight of the mother. Information regarding maternal age, parity, and gestational age were obtained by conducting interviews using a structured questionnaire. Data analysis used linear regression.

Results

The results showed that maternal height (p = 0.000) and gestational age (p = 0.000) are correlated with the child's body length at birth. While maternal weight, parity and maternal age were not significantly associated (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

In this study, it can be concluded that maternal factors that related to the child's body length are height and gestational age when the mother gives birth.