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Abstract:<br /> Introduction: Low birth weight is the best indicator of the impact in the health system and the best predictor of mortality and morbidity in the neonatal, post neonatal and childhood periods.<br /> Objectives: This study was planned to study the association between birth weight and selected risk factors in Basrah governorate with special reference to: Socio demographic factors, Present obstetric history, Past obstetric history, History of Ante Natal Care, and Medical history. <br /> Methods: This is hospital- based cross sectional study was conducted on 362 infants delivered and /or admitted to AL-Basrah-Maternity and Children Hospital. The data were collected through direct interview of the mothers using a special questionnaire form designed for the study purpose. The questionnaire included information about the following aspects socio-demographic characteristics and other clinical characteristic. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 15.<br /> Results: The highest percentage of LBW was found among births for mothers who finished their primary education or less including illiterate, mothers in the age group30- 39 years, employed mothers, history of complications during pregnancy, preterm births, previous history of having LBW infant and short preceding birth interval (≤6 months)<br /> Conclusion The factors which found significantly associated with LBW included: low education level, complication during pregnancy, previous history of LBW, preterm delivery, short preceding birth interval- ,No significant association was found between birth weight and the following factors, parent's age, maternal occupation, gravidity, and bad previous obstetric history, low number of ANC visits.<br /> Keywords : low birth weight , risk factors , Basrah city <br /> Correspondence to, Zainab Hussain Tahir Basrah Health Directorate <br /> Zalmussazyahoocom@gmail.com