MATERNAL, CLINICAL, AND SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC DETERMINANTS OF SMALL-FOR-GESTATIONAL-AGE BIRTHS: A HOSPITAL-BASED ANALYTICAL CASE-CONTROL STUDY IN KARACHI, PAKISTAN

Authors

  • Rabia Hammad Department of Gynae/Obs Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi
  • Ambreen Khan Department of Gynae/Obs Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi
  • Sidrah Nausheen Department of Gynae/Obs Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi
  • Riffat Rehan Department of Gynae/Obs Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi
  • Daina Kumari Department of Gynae/Obs Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi
  • Wajeeha Yahya Department of Gynaecology, Aga Khan University Hospital

Abstract

Small‑for‑gestational‑age (SGA) births remain a major public health concern in Pakistan, with prevalence around 36%. Limited research has examined independent predictors in tertiary care. This study investigated maternal, clinical, and socio‑demographic factors linked to SGA births. An unmatched hospital‑based case–control study was conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, over six months. Cases were singleton neonates with birthweight below the 10th percentile (Intergrowth‑21st), while controls were appropriate‑for‑gestational‑age (10th–90th percentile). A 1:2 ratio yielded 150 cases and 300 controls. Data from harmonized clinical records were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. Among 450 records, maternal age, parity, gestational age, BMI, and hemoglobin were similar across groups. Mean birthweight was lower in cases (1.84 vs 2.17 kg, p<0.001). Pregnancy‑induced hypertension/preeclampsia was inversely associated with SGA (AOR 0.41, 95% CI 0.21–0.78, p=0.007). Findings highlight the importance of identifying maternal risk factors to strengthen antenatal care and reduce neonatal morbidity in Pakistan.

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Published

2026-08-18

How to Cite

1.
Hammad R, Khan A, Nausheen S, Rehan R, Kumari D, Yahya W. MATERNAL, CLINICAL, AND SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC DETERMINANTS OF SMALL-FOR-GESTATIONAL-AGE BIRTHS: A HOSPITAL-BASED ANALYTICAL CASE-CONTROL STUDY IN KARACHI, PAKISTAN. J Ayub Med Coll Abbottabad [Internet]. 2026 Aug. 18 [cited 2026 Sep. 10];38(1):12-7. Available from: https://jamc.ayubmed.edu.pk/index.php/jamc/article/view/15211

Issue

Vol. 38 No. 1 (2026): Journal of Ayub Medical College Abbottabad

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ORIGINAL ARTICLE

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Copyright (c) 2026 Rabia Hammad, Ambreen Khan, Sidrah Nausheen, Riffat Rehan, Daina Kumari, Wajeeha Yahya

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