Low Birth Weight Factors Research Articles

Associated Factors of Low Birth Weight among Newborns at Hospitals in Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo

Background: Low birth weight remains a major public health problem in every country in the world. It is a predictor of early neonatal mortality, morbidity and long-term health. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of low birth weight and to identify the associated factors in a hospital setting in Kisangani. Material and Methods: An unmatched case-control study was used including all live and full-term births was conducted from 1 December 2023 to 31 May 2024 in the maternity wards of Makiso-Kisangani General Referral Hospital, Mangobo General Referral Hospital, Tshopo General Referral Hospital and Alwaleed Health Centre. A sample of 646 newborns was selected: 86 cases (newborns weighing less than 2500 grams) and 560 controls (newborns weighing 2500 grams or more). Factors associated with prehypertension were identified using logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of low birth weight was 13.4%. Factors associated with low birth weight were maternal age less than 18 years, intergenital interval less than 2 years, maternal infection during pregnancy, high blood pressure, level of primary education and urban residential environment. Conclusion: This study shows that low birth weight remains a public health problem in Kisangani. In addition to shedding light on the other contributing variables and the connections between them, prospective national research would enable the development of preventative measures.

The impact of blastocyst grade on singleton birth weight in fresh IVF‒ET cycles in ART: a retrospective study

BackgroundThe positive correlation between embryo quality and pregnancy outcomes has been confirmed in many studies, but there are few on the impact of embryo quality on neonatal weight, especially among neonates from fresh IVF‒ET cycles in ART. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the birth weights of infants from different blastocyst grades in fresh IVF-ET cycles and explore related factors affecting birth weight.MethodsThe main outcome measure was singleton birth weight. A total of 1301 fresh cycles of single blastocyst transplantation and single live birth profiles were retrospectively analyzed and divided into four groups according to blastocyst quality: the excellent group (grade AA), which included 170 cycles; the good group (grade AB/BA), which included 312 cycles; the average group (grade BB/CA/AC), which included 559 cycles; and the poor group (grade BC/CB), which included 260 cycles. The relationships among cystic cavity expansion, endocytic cell mass, ectodermal trophoblast cell grade, and birth weight were studied. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between blastocyst quality and neonatal birth weight and logistic regression for the risk factors for low birth weight newborns.ResultsWith decreases in the blastocyst quality, including ICM, TE quality, and embryo expansion stage, birth weight declined, and Z scores correspondingly decreased. After adjusting for confounders, the average and poor groups (P = 0.01 and P = 0.001, respectively) and blastocysts with TE grade C (P = 0.022) resulted in singletons with lower birth weight. Additionally, the poor group and blastocysts with Grade C TEs had a greater chance of leading to low birth weight infants compared with the other groups.ConclusionOur findings indicated that excellent and good-grade blastocyst transplantation could achieve better pregnancy outcomes and that average and poor-grade blastocyst transplantation, especially with grade C TEs, were associated with single birth weight loss. No association was found between the embryo expansion stage or ICM quality and neonatal birth weight.

Chi-Squared Automatic Interaction Detection Decision Tree Analysis of Social Determinants for Low Birth Weight in Virginia.

This study provides additional context to the literature regarding the social inequities that impact birth outcomes in Virginia using a decision tree analysis. Chi-squared automatic interaction detection data analysis (CHAID) was performed using data from the Virginia birth registry for the years 2015-2019. Birth weight was the outcome variable, while sociodemographic factors and maternity care deserts were the explanatory variables. The prevalence of low birth weight in Virginia was of 8.1%. The CHAID decision tree model demonstrated multilevel interaction among risk factors with three levels, with a total of 34 nodes. All the variables reached significance in the model, with race/ethnicity being the first major predictor variable, each category of race and ethnicity having different significant predictors, followed by prenatal care and maternal education in the next levels. These findings signify modifiable risk factors for low birth weight, in prioritizing efforts such as programs and policies. CHAID decision tree analysis provides an effective approach to detect target populations for further intervention as pathways derived from this decision tree shed light on the different predictors of high-risk population in each of the race/ethnicity demographic categories in Virginia.

The prevalence of low birth weight and its associated maternal factors among women of reproductive age who gave birth to live babies within five years preceding the survey in Tanzania: an analysis of data from the 2015-16 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey and Malaria Indicators Survey

BackgroundInfant survival is an important factor in any community’s health. Low birth weight affects babies not only during their infancy but also has long-term consequences for their health as adults. Unfortunately, Sub-Saharan Africa as a region is still dealing with the burden of Low birth weight (LBW), and Tanzania as a part of this region is no exception. So this study aimed to determine the Magnitude of Low Birth Weight and Its Associated Maternal Factors among Women of Reproductive Age who gave birth to live babies.MethodsThe study used analytical cross-sectional study design to analyze secondary data from the Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey and Malaria Indicators Survey 2015–2016. A total of 4,644 women of reproductive age who gave birth to live babies within five years preceding the survey were included in the study. Both bivariate and multivariable logistics regression analyses were used to assess maternal factors associated with low birth weight.ResultsThe prevalence of LBW was 262(6.2%). After adjusting for confounders, the maternal factors associated with LBW were Age group of a pregnant woman [Less than 20 years (aOR = 1.907 CI = 1.134–3.205) in reference to those aged more than 34years], Number of ANC visits made [Inadequate visits (aOR = 1.612 CI = 1.266–2.05)], parity [para 2–4 (aOR = 0.609 CI = 0.453–0.818), para 5+ (aOR = 0.612 CI = 0.397–0.944)] and area of residence [Unguja (aOR = 1.981 CI = 1.367–2.87).ConclusionThe prevalence of low birth weight in Tanzania remains high. Women’s age, parity, number of Antenatal care visits (ANC), and area of residence were found to be maternal factors associated with LBW. Thus, early prenatal diagnosis of risk factors for low birth weight in high-risk pregnant women may help to reduce the LBW burden in Tanzania and its detrimental effects.

Multilevel modelling of the determinants of low birth weight in frontier, outermost and underdeveloped regions: Evidence from the Indonesian National Socioeconomic Survey (2019–2021)

BackgroundThe prevalence of low-birthweight infants is increasing in Indonesia. A low birth weight can have a negative effect on a child's development. Understanding the factors influencing low birth weight may enable preventative actions. AimTo analyse the determinant factors of low-birthweight infants in frontier, outermost and underdeveloped regions in Indonesia. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted using a secondary dataset from the Indonesian National Socioeconomic Survey, 2019–2021. The sample included 27,678 inhabitants aged 16–64 years. The Indonesian regions of Nusa Tenggara Timur, Nusa Tenggara Barat, Sulawesi Tengah, Sulawesi Tenggara, Gorontalo, Maluku, Maluku Utara, Papua and Papua Barat were included. A multilevel logistic regression was conducted to determine the relationship between variables. p < 0.05 was considered to indicate significance in the fixed-effects model findings. FindingsWomen who lived in a rural area [OR 1.176, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.088–0.235] and had never used contraception (OR 1.227, 95 % CI 0.096–0.313) were more likely to have low-birthweight infants. In contrast, water resources, social assistance/welfare, maternal age and gross domestic product per capita had no significant effect on the prevalence of low-birthweight infants. Discussion and conclusionLiving in a rural area and lifetime non-use of contraception were found to be significant risk factors for low birth weight in frontier, outermost and underdeveloped regions in Indonesia. Increasing health facilities in rural areas and establishing programmes on the use of contraception may be positive strategies to reduce the prevalence of low-birthweight infants.

Prevalence and determinant factors of low birth weight in Marrakesh province, Morocco: cross sectorial survey

Prevalence and determinant factors of low birth weight in Marrakesh province, Morocco: cross sectorial survey

The Risk Factors of Low Birth Weight in Primary Health Care Centres: A Comparative Study in Selected Rural and Urban Settings in a Southwestern State of Nigeria

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines low birth weight (LBW) as less than 2500g at birth, a critical predictor of infant morbidity and mortality. LBW prevalence is notably higher in developing countries (15%) compared to developed ones (7%), affecting 5–6 million children annually in Nigeria. This study aimed to identify and compare LBW risk factors in rural and urban areas of Ondo State, Nigeria, and to describe the socio-demographic and pregnancy characteristics of affected mothers. Conducted from January 2021 to August 2022, the case-control study analyzed live birth records from selected primary health centers. Factors such as socio-demographics, anthropometrics, nutrition, maternal morbidity, and antenatal care were considered. Logistic regression models, both bivariate and multivariate, were used to analyze the data. The study found a LBW incidence of 10.2%, with 9.7% in rural and 11% in urban areas. BMI, maternal age, occupation, and marital status were not correlated with LBW. In urban areas, lower parity and frequent medication use during pregnancy were linked to lower LBW risk, while ANC visits significantly impacted LBW incidence (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Overall, ANC visits, iron supplement use, and parity were significant LBW risk factors, particularly in urban settings, whereas socio-demographic factors showed no substantial association.

Preeclampsia is a risk factor for Low Birth Weight (LBW) infants

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Background&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;: Infant mortality remains high and is more common in the neonatal period. Causes of neonatal death include asphyxia, sepsis, infection and LBW(LBW) in preterm and term infants. One of the factors influencing the incidence of LBW is pre-eclampsia. This is because pre-eclampsia affects the utero-placental circulation so that it affects the delivery of nutrients to the fetus, resulting in fetal nutrient deprivation and intrauterine &lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;growth restriction&lt;strong&gt;. &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Objectives&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;: This study aims to assess the relationship between pre-eclampsia and the incidence of LBW in the Mawar Room of Dr M. Yunus Bengkulu Hospital. &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Methods&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;: This study used a case-control design. The sample was all babies born in M Yunus Hospital in the years 2019-2022.The case group were LBWbabies and the control group were normal birth weight babies. The total sample size was 128 with a ratio of 1:1. Samples were collected using purposive sampling with inclusion criteria of babies born alive with complete medical records. Data analysis in this study used univariate analysis to view frequency distribution, bivariate with chi-squared test and multivariate with logistic regression using SPPS software version 24. &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Results&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;: The incidence of pre-eclampsia was 13.3%, 34% age at risk, parity 37.5% garande multipara, 4imipara and multipara and most (62.5%) had primary education 47.5%. There is an association of pre-eclampsia with the incidence of LBW. There is an association of age, parity and education with the incidence of LBW, but pre-eclampsia is the most dominant factor that is the most dominant risk variable that affects the incidence of LBW. &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Conclusions&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;: There is an association between pre-eclampsia, age, parity and education with the incidence of LBW. Pre-eclampsia is the most dominant factor in the incidence of LBW.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

The maternal factors associated with infant low birth weight: an umbrella review

BackgroundIn this umbrella review, we systematically evaluated the evidence from meta-analyses and systematic reviews of maternal factors associated with low birth weight.MethodsPubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched to identify all relevant published studies up to August 2023. We included all meta-analysis studies (based on cohort, case-control, cross-sectional studies) that examined the association between maternal factors (15 risk factors) and risk of LBW, regardless of publication date. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the summary effect size along with the 95% confidence interval (CI), 95% prediction interval, and heterogeneity (I2) in all meta-analyses. Hedges’ g was used as the effect size metric. The effects of small studies and excess significance biases were assessed using funnel plots and the Egger’s test, respectively. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the AMSTAR 2 tool.ResultsWe included 13 systematic Review with 15 meta-analysis studies in our study based on the inclusion criteria. The following 13 maternal factors were identified as risk factors for low birth weight: crack/cocaine (odds ratio [OR] 2.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.26–3.52), infertility (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.2–1.48), smoking (OR 2.00, 95% CI 1.76–2.28), periodontal disease (OR 2.41, 95% CI 1.67–3.47), depression (OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.34–2.53), anemia (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.13–1.55), caffeine/coffee (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.14–1.57), heavy physical workload (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.00-3.47), lifting ≥ 11 kg (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.02–2.48), underweight (OR 1.79, 95% CI 1.20–2.67), alcohol (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.04–1.46), hypertension (OR 3.90, 95% CI 2.73–5.58), and hypothyroidism (OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.01–1.94). A significant negative association was also reported between antenatal care and low birth weight.ConclusionsThis umbrella review identified drug use (such as crack/cocaine), infertility, smoking, periodontal disease, depression, caffeine and anemia as risk factors for low birth weight in pregnant women. These findings suggest that pregnant women can reduce the risk of low birth weight by maintaining good oral health, eating a healthy diet, managing stress and mental health, and avoiding smoking and drug use.

HUBUNGAN ANEMIA DALAM KEHAMILAN IBU DENGAN KEJADIAN BAYI BERAT LAHIR RENDAH

Anemia is a common medical problem in pregnancy. So far, whether maternal anemia affects the health of mother and baby is still uncertain. Maternal anemia is generally considered a risk factor for low birth weight (LBW) babies. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between anemia in maternal pregnancy and the incidence of LBW babies at Hajja Andi Depu Regional Hospital. This research is a quantitative analysis research with a cross sectional design. The research was carried out by taking medical record data from pregnant women who gave birth to low birth weight babies at Hajja Andi Depu Hospital, Polewali Mandar Regency. The sampling method is consecutive sampling of 20 samples. Bivariate analysis used using chi-square obtained a significant value, namely ???? 0.000 &lt; 0.05. There is a relationship between maternal pregnancy and the incidence of LBW at Hajja Andi Depu Regional Hospital.

A penalized variable selection ensemble algorithm for high-dimensional group-structured data.

This paper presents a multi-algorithm fusion model (StackingGroup) based on the Stacking ensemble learning framework to address the variable selection problem in high-dimensional group structure data. The proposed algorithm takes into account the differences in data observation and training principles of different algorithms. It leverages the strengths of each model and incorporates Stacking ensemble learning with multiple group structure regularization methods. The main approach involves dividing the data set into K parts on average, using more than 10 algorithms as basic learning models, and selecting the base learner based on low correlation, strong prediction ability, and small model error. Finally, we selected the grSubset + grLasso, grLasso, and grSCAD algorithms as the base learners for the Stacking algorithm. The Lasso algorithm was used as the meta-learner to create a comprehensive algorithm called StackingGroup. This algorithm is designed to handle high-dimensional group structure data. Simulation experiments showed that the proposed method outperformed other R2, RMSE, and MAE prediction methods. Lastly, we applied the proposed algorithm to investigate the risk factors of low birth weight in infants and young children. The final results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.508 and a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.668. The obtained values are smaller compared to those obtained from a single model, indicating that the proposed method surpasses other algorithms in terms of prediction accuracy.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Low Birth Weight among Neonates Delivered in Health Facilities in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract Background: Low birth weight (LBW) is an important marker of fetal health that is predictive of mortality in childhood, stunting, and adult-onset chronic conditions globally. Approximately 20 million LBW births occur every year globally with 96.5% of them in developing countries. LBW contributes to 60%–80% of all neonatal deaths globally and the rates have remained high in developing countries such as Nigeria. This study therefore aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of LBW among neonates delivered in health facilities in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in eight selected health facilities at different levels of care within the Makurdi metropolis. A total of 206 neonates were recruited, weighed, and examined within the first hour of life while sociodemographic data were collected using a pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS 23. Results: Out of the 206 neonates studied, 24 (11.7%) were LBW. Among the 24 LBW neonates, 75% (18) were term while 25% (6) were preterm. The mean weight of the LBW neonates was 2.18 ± 0.18 kg. The mean gestation was 38.52 ± 1.61 weeks. The factors that were significantly associated with LBW were; gestational age at birth (P = 0.028), type of gestation (P = 0.004), socioeconomic class of the baby (P = 0.036), nonbooking for antenatal care (ANC) (P = 0.040), place of ANC (P = 0.028), and hypertension in pregnancy (P = 0.033). Conclusion: The prevalence of LBW was lower than the national prevalence and not booking for ANC was found to be associated with increased risk for LBW. Hence, early and adequate ANC is recommended.

Anemia as a risk factor for low birth weight in term pregnancies: A case-control study

Anemia as a risk factor for low birth weight in term pregnancies: A case-control study

Proportion and risk factors of low birth weight among neonates delivered at Omdurman Maternity Hospital, Sudan.

Low birth weight (LBW) is a major predictor of child mortality and morbidity. The objectives of this study are to determine the proportion and risk factors of LBW. A matched case-control study was conducted at Omdurman Maternity Hospital, Sudan. The study population consisted of all babies delivered in August 2016 excluding stillbirths, multiple births, and babies with insufficient data. All LBW neonates were selected using total coverage sampling as cases and matched on babies' gender with randomly selected normal birth weights as controls. The sample size was 350 babies; 175 test cases and 175 control cases. Data were collected from hospital records and six risk factors were tested: mother age, parity, gravidity, mode of delivery, hypertensive disorders, and diabetes mellitus. The proportion of LBW was 10.8% of the total number of delivered neonates which is 2,938. The bivariate analysis identified that younger mother age (p = 0.03) and hypertension (p = 0.02) were significantly associated with LBW while other factors were found statistically insignificant. Multivariable conditional logistic regression revealed that hypertensive disorders in pregnancy increase the risk for LBW almost three times [Adjusted OR = 2.98 (95% CI: 1.23-7.22), p = 0.02]. We found that hypertension is an independent risk factor for LBW. The proportion of LBWcan be reduced if hypertension is controlled by providing simple measures like proper antenatal care and health education for pregnant women.

Mean birth weight and the risk factors for low birth weight among delivery at term

Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the frequency of Low Birth Weight (LBW) specifically at term, and concurrently, to investigate the prevalence of various associated risk factors contributing to LBW occurrences. Methodology: This cross-sectional study, carried out at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nishtar Hospital, Multan, spanned from January 2023 to July 2023. The inclusion criteria comprised singleton pregnancies with a gestational age of 37 completed weeks, while exclusion criteria encompassed multiple pregnancies, in-utero death, fetal abnormalities, and maternal medical conditions such as renal disease, diabetes, hypertension, antepartum hemorrhage, cardio-respiratory disease and preterm deliveries. Results: It was seen that majority of the patients 74.1% gave births to LBW babies had age between 20-30 years. (p=0.514). The patients 7.4% who had BMI ?25 kg/m2and gave birth to LBW babies. (p=0.663). It was also seen that 44.4% patients had &gt;3 parity and gave birth to LBW babies. (p=652). Majority of patients 68.5% who did not had get antenatal care and gave birth to LBW babies. (p=0.845). The patients 68.5% who had mild and moderate anaemia gave birth to LBW babies. (p=0.023). Further, the male sex had predominant to LBW. (p=0.373). Conclusion: Women with a high risk for low birth weight (LBW) can be identified based on factors such as maternal anaemia, and inadequate weight, all of which have shown significant associations with LBW.

LOGISTIC REGRESSION APPROACH TO STUDY PREGNANT WOMEN CASES AS A RISK FACTOR OF LBW AT THE BATAKTE PUBLIC HEALTH CENTER, KUPANG BARAT DISTRICT

The research examines the influencing factors of low birth weight (LBW) in the work area of ​​the Batakte Public Health Center, Kupang Regency. The specific objective of this study is to identify the risk factors associated with the LBW. In parallel with the research objective, the hypothesis of this study is that there is a relationship among several maternal factors: age, education, number of children, birth spacing, chronic energy deficiency (CED), low hemoglobin in pregnant women, and the practice of antenatal care (ANC) during pregnancy. The sample in this study was some mothers who gave birth in 2020 and 2021, whose data were recorded. The results of the study show that the logistic models of the dominant parameters causing LBW cases are: 1. Pregnant women who experience CED have a risk of giving birth to babies with LBW: 2. The risk opportunities for pregnant women with low hemoglobin (below 11g/dl) is will give birth to a LBW baby: and 3. The risk of pregnant women who never or do not routinely perform ANC is about will give birth to a LBW baby. The results of parameter interpretation show that the dominant factor causing LBW cases in the work area of the Batakte Public Health Center is pregnant women who experience chronic energy deficiency conditions, low hemoglobin, and pregnant women who have never or only once done Antenatal care (ANC) in the work area of the Batakte Public Health Center.

Potential Maternal Risk Factors for Low Birth Weight in Indonesia: A Systematic Review

This review was conducted with the aim of summarizing the articles on the potential maternal risk factors for Low Birth Weight (LBW) in Indonesia. All observational studies conducted in Indonesia between 2010 and 2022 were thoroughly reviewed in this study. The articles were retrieved from "PubMed", "ScienceDirect", "Web of Science", and "Garuda". The retrieval was supplemented by snowball sampling technique. This review was constructed according to the PRISMA guidelines and the quality of the articles was assessed according to the STROBE guidelines. Of the 129 articles, only 12 articles met the inclusion criteria. Maternal variables such as education (50%), household wealth (33.3%), nutritional status (33.3%), age (25%), pregnancy complications (25%), marital age (16.7%), gestational weight gain (16.7%), ANC visit (16.7%), weight at third trimester (16.7%), twin birth (16.7%), birth interval (16.7%), iron supplementation (8.3%), parity (8.3%), and anemia status (8.3%) were found to be the risk factors for LBW incidence. This review found that almost all potential maternal risk factors contributing to LBW are preventable. It may help policy makers to design a more effective LBW prevention intervention and early risk identification for pregnant women. Appropriate follow-up by health workers for clinical intervention will also help to improve their pregnancy outcomes.

Prevalence and risk factors of low birth weight in the United States: An analysis of 2016-2021 data.

Low birthweight (LBW), infants weighing less than 2,500 g, is a global health concern associated with high infant morbidity and mortality rates. This study investigates LBW prevalence and its relation to maternal sociodemographic characteristics and lifestyle behaviors factors in the United States (US). This analysis used the National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH) data from 2016 to 2021, including n = 225,443 children aged 0-17 years. 18,131 had LBW (<2,500 g), and 2810 had very LBW (VLBW) (<1,500 g). Logistic regression calculated odds ratios (OR) using LBW as the dependent variable, adjusting for various factors. Between 2016 and 2021 in the United States, LBW prevalence averaged 9.31%, with VLBW at 1.50%. Mothers aged 18-35, White, had the lowest LBW (7.63%) and VLBW (1.17%) rates. Mothers aged ≤18 years, black, had the highest LBW (15.45%) and VLBW infants (4.70%). Maternal age emerged as a significant LBW factor, with an OR of 1.27 for ≤18 and 1.19 for >35. Children in poor health had the highest OR (2.87). Race/ethnicity and other disparities were observed. Our study highlights LBW risk among non-White mothers with specific criteria, emphasizing the need for continued exploration of intersectional targets for change that are exacerbating LBW disparities among marginalized populations which may be artificially attributed to biologic determinants and individual-level risk factors. In-depth analysis of repressive structures at the root of inequalities demand continued research on macro levels of influence. Customized healthcare reform holds the greatest potential to disrupt the patterns contributing to poor health outcomes among LBW children, and will ultimately maximize the reach and effectiveness of health promotion strategies and clinical practices aimed to improve universal maternal and infant health.

Maternal Factors Associated with Low Birth Weight Among Neonates Born at Thika Level 5 Hospital in Kiambu County, Kenya

Purpose: To determine maternal factors associated with low birth weight among neonates born at Thika Level Five Hospital in Kiambu County, Kenya.&#x0D; Methodology: Cross sectional convergent design was employed. The target group composed of mothers who delivered in the hospital during the study period (July-August, 2019). Census method was used to recruit participants for a quantitative study. Purposive sampling was used to select participants for FGDs and KIIs. Sample size was determined using the Cochran formula. Desired sample size was 210 mothers which was adjusted to 215 participants. Independent variables included: socio-demographic, socio-economic, socio-cultural, behavioral, and health of the mothers. Dependent variable was LBW which was classified further into LBW, very LBW, extremely LBW. (UNICEF, 2010). Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed using Stata statistical version 14, logistic regression and NVivo version 14 respectively,&#x0D; Findings: ≥35 years of mothers OR=13.67, p=0.018, CL [1.55-120.12] and the second born children OR=2.98; p=0.025; CL [1.15-7.73] were associated with the overall LBW. Secondary level education OR=0.35; p=0.03; CL [0.14-0.91] was a protection against LBW. Meru OR=17.429, p=0.016, CI [1.7162-176.991] and other tribes OR=10.479, p=0.048, CI [1.025-107.124] were associated with low birth weight. Hypertension OR=3.59; p=0.038; CL [0.14-0.91] and malaria (OR=51.250, p=0.005, CL [3.185-822.132]) were associated with very LBW. ANC-attendance (OR=0.068, p=0.37, CL [0.0055-0.845]) was a protection against extremely LBW OR= 0.07; p=0,037; CL [0.01-0.85].&#x0D; Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: ≥35 years of mothers are risk factors for low birth weight. Second child is at risk of being low birth weight. Neonates of Meru origin and other minority ethnic groups in Thika are at risk of being LBW. Secondary level education is a protection against low birth weight. Hypertension and malaria are risk factors for very low birth weight. ANC-attendance is a protection against extremely low birth weight. The County Government of Kiambu should develop suitable strategies of strengthening maternal and child services at level one.

Risk factors associated with low birth weight at the Northern Regional Hospital in Belize. July-December, 2021

Low birth weight is a significant challenge for public health. It represents one of the most important aspects that can affect a newborn to experience satisfactory growth and development. Objective: to describe the risk factors for low birth weight in pregnant women treated at the Northern Regional Hospital, Orange Walk, Belize, for a period of six months. Method: A descriptive, retrospective study was carried out, with an epidemiological approach, of 27 mothers having newborns weighing &lt;2500 g, between July and December 2021. Results: 65% of the newborns with LBW occurred in the second semester of the year, being August, September and December the most affected months. Dystocic births (C-sections) had the highest incidence, and most of the patients came from rural areas. Urinary tract infection had the highest incidence in almost all age groups, followed by anemia and hypertension as the three more prevalent comorbidities. Low maternal weight gain can be also considered as predictor for LBW. Conclusions: Improvement of preconceptional and prenatal care is essential to prevent LBW neonates and to decrease the high morbidity and mortality associated to this condition.