Abstract
Background: Several studies report on factors that associate preterm birth and intrauterine growth restriction with low birth weight (LBW). However, few studies discuss risk factors that associate with LBW for full-term births. No such studies exist that involve a population from Ghana. Method: We used a nested case-control study approach to examine maternal socio-demographic and placental factors that contribute significantly to term LBW in Ghana. We assessed also the incidence of LBW in general at a major teaching hospital facility in Ghana. Results: Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to investigate maternal sociodemographic and placental factors that associate with LBW. Following the preliminary univariate analysis, a stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that unstable income source, single motherhood, combined effect of pre-eclampsia and anaemia; ORs of 5.366 (95% CI: 1.986 to 14.497), 21.390 (95% CI: 3.610 to 126.734) and 3.246 (95% CI: 1.074 to 9.814), respectively, and placental weight and irregular insertion of the umbilical cord (variables scaled by a factor of 10-2 to aid interpretation) ORs 0.28 (95% CI: 0.115 to 0.683), 0.010 (95% CI: 0.001 to 0.173 respectively) on the chorionic plate, were risk factors for LBW. The socio-demographic and placental factors reveal a core role of maternal and infant nutritional deficiencies in term LBW in Ghana. The general prevalence of LBW in the Hospital facility was 6.2%. Conclusion: We conclude that poor maternal and infant nutrient supply is key factors in term LBW in Ghana. These factors are amenable to appropriate nutritional and educational interventions.
Highlights
Low birth weight (LBW) is defined as birth weights that are less than 2500 g at birth, and it is the single most important risk factor in neonatal and infant health [1,2,3]
Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to investigate maternal sociodemographic and placental factors that associate with low birth weight (LBW)
Following the preliminary univariate analysis, a stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that unstable income source, single motherhood, combined effect of pre-eclampsia and anaemia; ORs of 5.366, 21.390 and 3.246, respectively, and placental weight and irregular insertion of the umbilical cord ORs 0.28, 0.010 on the chorionic plate, were risk factors for LBW
Summary
Low birth weight (LBW) is defined as birth weights that are less than 2500 g at birth, and it is the single most important risk factor in neonatal and infant health [1,2,3]. Maternal occupations that require prolonged standing, walking or vigorous physical exertion and psychological factors such as stress and anxiety may contribute to LBW. These effects vary between populations [20,21]. Several studies report on factors that associate preterm birth and intrauterine growth restriction with low birth weight (LBW). Few studies discuss risk factors that associate with LBW for full-term births. No such studies exist that involve a population from Ghana
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
