title: Association of Maternal Working Condition with Low Birth Weight: The Social Determinants of Health Approach.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The socioeconomic conditions have made more job opportunities available to women. This has created interest to conduct studies on the effect of working lifestyle on pregnancy outcomes.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study was conducted with the aim to assess the relationship between mothers' working status as a social determinant and the incidence of low birth weight (LBW) of the newborn.
  
  
  METHODS
  This case-control study was conducted on 500 women with normal weight infants (control group) and 250 women with LBW infants (case group) in selected hospitals in Tehran. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire, designed to assess the effect of mothers' prenatal lifestyle, as a social determinant, on LBW of the newborn. A section of the questionnaire involved assessment of mother's working condition in terms of the work environment, activities, and job satisfaction. Data were analyzed using Chi-square and logistic regression tests.
  
  
  RESULTS
  LBW among employed mothers was 5 times more likely than unemployed ones (odds ratio = 5.35, P < 0.001). Unfavorable work conditions such as humid environment, contact with detergents, and being in one standing or sitting position for long hours were significantly associated with LBW (P < 0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The present study showed that unfavorable work conditions were associated with LBW; therefore, they need special attention.
authors.affiliation: Social Determinant of Health Research Center, Kraj, Iran; Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Kraj, Iran.
authors.forename: Z
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Mahmoodi
authors.affiliation: Social Determinant of Health Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Karimlou
authors.affiliation: Social Determinant of Health Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Sajjadi
authors.affiliation: Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Baltimore, USA.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dejman
authors.affiliation: Social Welfare Management Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Vameghi
authors.affiliation: Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dolatian
authors.affiliation: Emergency Ward, Iranmehr Hospital, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mahmoodi
keywords: Low birth weight; Pregnancy; Socioeconomic factors; Working conditions