Aim: Birthweight is known to be affected by several factors. In the present study a relationship model of psychological and economic determinants of birthweight was designed and tested.
Methods: This prospective study involved 400 pregnant women in four districts of Tehran, Iran. The subjects were selected through a multistage sampling method. Seven questionnaires (socioeconomic status; Holmes and Rahe Stress Scale; Perceived Stress Scale; 21-item Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale [DASS-21]; perceived social support; pregnancy-related anxiety scale; and domestic violence questionnaire) were used to assess participant psychosocial and economic conditions. In order to collect post-partum information about the mother and the infant, the women were followed up until delivery. Data were analyzed using SPSS-16 and Lisrel-8.8.
Results: Based on the obtained path diagram, the greatest adverse effects on birthweight were exerted directly by DASS-21 score (B = -0.14) and indirectly by stressful life events (B = -0.037). Among variables that affected birthweight in both paths, socioeconomic status and perceived stress had the strongest overall effects on birthweight (B = 0.203 and -0.1024, respectively).
Conclusion: According to the path analysis model, psychosocial and economic factors can directly/indirectly affect birthweight.
Keywords: birthweight; path analysis; psychosocial factor.
© 2016 Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.