LOW BIRTH WEIGHT AND ASSOCIATED MATERNAL FACTORS IN CASCAVEL, PARANÁ: AN EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY FROM 2019 TO 2023

Abstract

Objective: to analyze the prevalence of low birth weight and its association with maternal factors in the municipality of Cascavel, Paraná, from 2019 to 2023. Methods: this is a descriptive, retrospective epidemiological study with a quantitative approach, based on secondary data obtained from DATASUS/SINASC. Variables related to live births weighing less than 2,500 g were analyzed, considering maternal characteristics such as age, education level, number of prenatal visits, type of delivery, type of pregnancy, and gestational age. Results: during the analyzed period, 24,591 live births were recorded in the municipality, of which 2,210 had low birth weight, corresponding to a prevalence of 8.98%. There was a slight reduction in the absolute number of cases between 2019 (465) and 2023 (434). Higher frequency was observed among mothers aged 20 to 39 years, with predominance of 8 to 11 years of schooling, seven or more prenatal visits, and higher occurrence in cesarean deliveries. Associations with prematurity and multiple pregnancies were also observed. Conclusion: low birth weight remained a relevant condition in the studied municipality and was associated with potentially modifiable maternal and obstetric factors. These findings reinforce the importance of strengthening prenatal care and maternal-child health surveillance strategies aimed at reducing this outcome.