Purpose
Birth weight and birth length are essential indicators of neonatal health and later development. However, evidence from Vietnam on the multidimensional determinants of these outcomes remains limited. Guided by the biopsychosocial model, this study examined factors associated with birth weight and birth length among term newborns.
Methods
This retrospective cross-sectional study included 198 term singleton live births at Hai Phong Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vietnam. Data were extracted from the medical records of newborns born at the hospital between December 2023 and May 2024. Because the variables did not meet parametric assumptions, the Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis H test, and Spearman correlation coefficient were used as nonparametric alternatives to the independent-samples t-test, analysis of variance, and Pearson correlation coefficient, respectively. Two multiple linear regression models were constructed to identify independent predictors of birth weight and birth length, with statistical significance set at p<.05.
Results
In the multivariable analysis, gestational age (β=.37, p<.001), maternal pre-pregnancy weight (β=.24, p<.001), protein supplementation (β=.13, p=.040), and infant sex (β=−.16, p=.008) were significant predictors of birth weight. Paternal height (β=.47, p<.001), gestational age (β=.23, p<.001), maternal height (β=.22, p<.001), and maternal pre-pregnancy weight (β=.16, p=.009) were significant predictors of birth length.
Conclusion
Within the biopsychosocial framework, interrelated biological and behavioral factors were associated with birth weight and birth length among term newborns. Prenatal assessment of maternal and paternal characteristics may help inform strategies to support fetal growth, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Purpose
Weight loss behaviors are common among Korean female adolescents and are often influenced by distorted body image and sociocultural pressures, leading some to unhealthy practices. This study examined biological, psychological, and social factors associated with weight loss behaviors using Engel’s biopsychosocial model.
Methods
This secondary analysis utilized data from the 19th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey (2023), focusing on 21,632 female middle and high school students. Logistic regression was conducted to analyze associations between weight loss behaviors and biopsychosocial variables such as body mass index (BMI), grade level, stress, anxiety, body image distortion, smoking, and nutrition education experience.
Results
Among female adolescents, 46.5% reported having attempted weight loss. In logistic regression analysis, biological factors (grade level and BMI percentile), psychological factors (perceived stress, distorted body image, generalized anxiety disorder risk, and smoking), and social factors (nutrition education) were significantly associated with weight loss behaviors. Key predictors included being in middle school (odds ratio [OR], 1.22), higher BMI, elevated stress, distorted body image (OR, 1.90), generalized anxiety, smoking (OR, 1.53), and lack of nutrition education (OR, 1.10). Psychological factors, especially body image distortion and emotional distress, emerged as major contributors to weight loss behaviors.
Conclusion
Weight loss behaviors among Korean female adolescents are influenced by complex biopsychosocial factors beyond physical health concerns. Nursing interventions should incorporate emotional regulation, body image education, and school-based health literacy programs. Early identification through multidimensional assessment is crucial for effective prevention.