Intelligence Quotient (IQ) and Growth Indices in Children with the History of Low Birth Weight

Objective: In two groups of children with and without the history of low birth weight (LBW), Intelligence Quotient (IQ) and growth indices including weight and height are compared.
Methods: In this historical cohort study performed in Zanjan City (Iran), 130 six-year-old children of both sexes in two equal groups, 65 with LBW history and 65 with normal birth weight (NBW), were selected randomly to be assessed for IQ, utilizing Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R) and physical growth indices, including weight and height. The results were analyzed statistically and P-values less than 0.05 were considered as significant.
Findings: Verbal, non-verbal and total IQ, all were significantly different between LBW and NBW groups (P=0.02, P=0.04 and P=0.01, respectively). Mean total IQ was 93.66±8.27 and 99.32±11.05, respectively. Weight and height between case and control groups showed significant differences, too (P=0.001 and P= 0.005, respectively).
Conclusion: The results of this study and similar studies emphasize paying special attention to the problem of low birth weight deliveries, recognizing related risk factors and trying to reduce them.