Nonbiological maternal risk factor for low birth weight on Latin America: a systematic review of literature with meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE To identify non-biological maternal risk factors to low birth weight in Latin America. METHODS Systematic review of literature through meta-analysis. The tool for methodological evaluation was the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology Statement. Studies in non-pathological maternal risk factors to low-birth weight and those evaluated by a Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology Statement method under C grade were excluded. RESULTS From seven studies, five pointed out the influence of maternal age under 20. In four studies maternal age above 35 years old was relevant to low birth weight. Other factors were present in only one or two studies. CONCLUSION According to this study the maternal age under 20 and above 35 years old is a relevant factor to low birth weight. There are few studies with universal and solid methodology, which difficult a systematic review of literature though meta-analysis.