Abstract
BackgroundLow birth weight (LBW) continues to be the primary cause of infant morbidity and mortality.ObjectiveThis study was undertaken to identify the predictors of LBW in Nigeria.DesignThe data for this study was extracted from the 2013 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey conducted by the National Population Commission. Several questionnaires were used in the survey, some covering questions on pregnancy characteristics. The inclusion criteria include mothers who gave birth to a child 5 years before the interview and aged 15–49 years who were either permanent residents or visitors present in the household on the night before the survey conducted. The birth weight of the infants was recorded from written records from the hospital cards or the mothers’ recall.ResultsThe prevalence of LBW in this study was 7.3%. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed an adjusted significant odds ratio for mothers from North West region (aOR 10.67; 95% CI [5.83–19.5]), twin pregnancy (aOR 5.11; 95% CI [3.11–8.39]), primiparous mother (aOR 2.08; 95% CI [1.15–3.77]), maternal weight of less than 70 kg (aOR 1.92; 95% CI [1.32–2.78]), and manual paternal employment (aOR 1.91; 95% CI [1.08–3.37]).ConclusionsThe risk factors for LBW identified in this study are modifiable. In order to reduce this menace in Nigeria, holistic approaches such as health education, maternal nutrition, improvement in socio-economic indices, and increasing the quality and quantity of the antenatal care services are of paramount importance.
Highlights
Birth weight is one of the significant predictors of child mental development, future physical growth, and survival
Design: The data for this study was extracted from the 2013 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey conducted by the National Population Commission
In order to reduce this menace in Nigeria, holistic approaches such as health education, maternal nutrition, improvement in socio-economic indices, and increasing the quality and quantity of the antenatal care services are of paramount importance
Summary
Birth weight is one of the significant predictors of child mental development, future physical growth, and survival. It is one of the important risk factors for child morbidity and mortality (1Á4). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), low birth weight (LBW) is defined as an infant birth weight of less than 2,500 g [5]. This group of children is considered to have higher risk of neonatal, post-neonatal death, and morbidity [6]. Low birth weight (LBW) continues to be the primary cause of infant morbidity and mortality. In order to reduce this menace in Nigeria, holistic approaches such as health education, maternal nutrition, improvement in socio-economic indices, and increasing the quality and quantity of the antenatal care services are of paramount importance
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