Predictors Of Low Birth Weight Research Articles

Dietary diversity and other predictors of low birth weight in Gurage Zone, Ethiopia: Prospective study.

Low birth weight (LBW) is a major public health problem in Ethiopia. Dietary diversity is a key indicator of maternal dietary adequacy that may affect birth weight but little is known about their relationship. Hence, this study aimed to assess the association of suboptimal maternal dietary diversity during pregnancy and low birth weight in Gurage Zone, Ethiopia. The prospective study was conducted among 1062 pregnant women enrolled consecutively in between 16 to 20 gestational weeks and followed until delivery. The baseline data were collected at recruitment and dietary diversity was assessed using the minimum dietary diversity score for women (MDD-W) tool in three different rounds. The average of three scores was considered to categorize women into optimal (consumed ≥ 5 food groups) and suboptimal (consumed < 5 food groups) dietary diversity groups. The risk of low birth weight among suboptimal dietary diversity was assessed using modified Poisson regression with robust standard error. Of the 1062 pregnant women recruited, 959 (90.4%) women completed follow-up. Among them, 302 (31.5%) women are having optimal and the rest, 657 (68.5%) women are having suboptimal dietary diversity. The risk of low birth weight was significantly higher among women with sub-optimal dietary diversity than among those with optimal diversity (ARR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.25, 2.84). Other factors such as rural residence (ARR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.43, 1.87), age > = 35 years (AAR = 3.94, 95% CI: 2.41, 6.46), being underweight (ARR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.14, 2.86), height < 150cm (ARR = 4.65, 95% CI: 2.52, 8.59), unwanted pregnancy (ARR = 3.35, 95% CI: 2.23, 5.02), preterm delivery (3.65, 95% CI: 2.27, 5.84) and lack of nutritional counseling (ARR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.08, 2.67) significantly increased the risk of low birth weight. Suboptimal dietary diversity associated low birth weight. Promoting dietary diversity by strengthening nutritional education and avoiding unwanted pregnancy particularly among rural residents may help to reduce the incidence of low birth weight.

Predictors of low birthweight and comparisons of newborn birthweights among different groups of maternal factors at Rev. John Chilembwe Hospital in Phalombe district, Malawi: A retrospective record review.

Birthweight has an impact on newborn's future health outcomes. Maternal factors, including age, delivery mode, HIV status, gestational age, parity and obstetric complications (preeclampsia or eclampsia [PE], antepartum hemorrhage [APH] and sepsis), however, have been shown as risk factors of low birthweight (LBW) elsewhere. For data-guided interventions, we aimed to identify predictors of LBW and compare newborn birthweights between different groups of maternal factors at Rev. John Chilembwe Hospital in Phalombe district, Malawi. Using a retrospective record review study design, we extracted data from maternity registers of 1244 women and their newborns from October, 2022 to March, 2023. Data were skewed. Median test was used to compare median birthweights. Chi-square or Fisher's exact tests were used to compare proportions of LBW among different groups of maternal factors. Multivariable logistic regression with stepwise, forward likelihood method was performed to identify predictors of LBW. Median birthweight was 2900.00g (interquartile range [IQR]: 2600.00g to 3200.00g). Prevalence of LBW was 16.7% (n = 208). Proportions of LBW infants were higher in women with PE, APH, including women with sepsis than controls (10 [47.6%] of 21 vs 7 [58.3%] of 12 vs 191 [15.8%] of 1211, p < .001). Lower in term and postterm than preterm (46 [5.5%] of 835 vs 2 [3.7%] of 54 vs 160 [45.1%] of 355, p < .001). The odds of LBW infants were higher in preterm than term (AOR = 13.76, 95%CI: 9.54 to 19.84, p < .001), women with PE (AOR = 3.88, 95%CI: 1.35 to 11.18, p = .012), APH, including women with sepsis (AOR = 6.25, 95%CI: 1.50 to 26.11, p = .012) than controls. Prevalence of LBW was high. Its predictors were prematurity, PE, APH and sepsis. Interventions aimed to prevent these risk factors should be prioritized to improve birthweight outcomes.

Prediction of Low Birth Weight Using Machine Learning on Environmental and Maternal Risk Factors: Korean CHildren's ENvironmental health Study

Prediction of Low Birth Weight Using Machine Learning on Environmental and Maternal Risk Factors: Korean CHildren's ENvironmental health Study

Fetal Thymus Size at 19–22 Weeks of Gestation: A Possible Marker for the Prediction of Low Birth Weight?

Introduction: The purpose was to compare thymus size measured during second trimester screening of fetuses who were subsequently small for gestational age at birth (weight below 10th percentile, SGA group) with fetuses with normal birth weight (control group). We hypothesized that measuring the fetal thymic-thoracic ratio (TT-ratio) might help predict low birth weight. Methods: Using three-vessel view echocardiograms from our archives, we measured the anteroposterior thymus size and the intrathoracic mediastinal diameter to derive TT-ratios in the SGA (n = 105) and control groups (n = 533) between 19+0 and 21+6 weeks of gestation. We analyzed the association between TT-ratio and SGA adjusted to the week of gestation using logistic regression. Finally, we determined the possible TT-ratio cut-off point for discrimination between SGA and control groups by means of receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis. Results: The TT-ratio was significantly higher in the SGA group than in the control group (p < 0.001). An increase of the TT-ratio by 0.1 was associated with a 3.1-fold increase in the odds of diagnosing SGA. We determined that a possible discrimination cut-off point between SGA and healthy controls was achieved using a TT-ratio of 0.390 (area under the ROC curve 0.695). Conclusion: An increased TT-ratio may represent an additional prenatal screening parameter that improves the prediction of birth weight below the 10th percentile. Prospective studies are now needed to evaluate the use of fetal thymus size as predictive parameter for adverse fetal outcome.

Impact of the trait anxiety during pregnancy on birth weight: an observational cohort study

To explore the effects of antenatal anxiety on fetal growth an observational cohort study was performed, including a cohort of 204 women with singleton pregnancies during the strict lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Psychosocial factors, maternal demographics, obstetric outcomes, social support (Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey, MOS-SSS), and symptoms of anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, STAIs and STAIt) and depression (Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale, EPDS) were studied as potential predictors of low birth weight. Main outcome measures were birth weight, head circumference and length. Results showed a negative correlation between STAIt score (trait anxiety) and birth weight percentile (r = −0.228, p = .047). In the univariate linear regression analysis, a lower maternal weight and BMI before pregnancy, parity, increased STAIt score and preterm birth below 37 weeks of gestation (p = .008, p = .015, p = .028, p = .047 and p = .022, respectively) were identified as predictive risk factors for low birth weight, whereas in the multivariate lineal regression analysis only a lower maternal weight before pregnancy and an increased STAIt score were independent predictors for low birth weight (p = .020, p = .049, respectively). To conclude, anxiety during pregnancy impacts birth weight, and specifically the trait anxiety, is a predictor for low birth weight.

Dolutegravir in Pregnancy as Compared With Current HIV Regimens in the United States

ABSTRACT For those pregnant and positive for the HIV infection, the first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) is a dolutegravir-based regimen. This regimen is more effective among nonpregnant adults when compared with other types of ART (it has a high barrier of resistance and fewer drug interactions than other types and is less likely to be discontinued due to adverse effects). Whereas the effectiveness, efficacy, and safety of dolutegravir in pregnancy have been compared with efavirenz in randomized trials, data comparing dolutegravir to protease inhibitor–based, integrase strand-transform inhibitor (INSTI)–based, and nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)–based ART regimens commonly used in pregnancy within the United States are limited. Since April 2007, some 22 sites in the United States and Puerto Rico enrolled HIV-infected pregnant persons and their infants within 72 hours following birth into the SMARTT Dynamic cohort. The current analysis entailed using the Pediatric HIV/AIDS Cohort Study SMARTT (Surveillance and Monitoring for ART Toxicities) protocol for evaluation of participants enrolled in the SMARTT Dynamic cohort through January 1, 2020, whose initial ART in pregnancy included oral rilpivirine, atazanavir-ritonavir, darunavir-ritonavir, raltegravir, and elvitegravir-cobicistat, in combination with dolutegravir, abacavir-lamivudine, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate–emtricitabine, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate–lamivudine, or tenofovir alafenamide fumarate–emtricitabine. Definition of the initial ART was the first ART regimen recorded in pregnancy, whether initiated before conception or during pregnancy. Outcomes included viral suppression at delivery, low birth weight and very low birth weight (&lt;2500 and &lt;1500 g), preterm and very preterm birth (at &lt;37 and &lt;32 weeks' gestation, respectively), small for gestational age (SGA), and neonatal death within 14 days after birth. Composite outcomes evaluated included any adverse birth outcome and any severe adverse birth outcome. The authors evaluated viral suppression at delivery, along with adverse birth outcomes in persons with an initial treatment regimen of dolutegravir for HIV infection when compared with those whose initial regimen included other contemporary ART drugs commonly prescribed in the Europe and the United States. In those participants who received dolutegravir, viral suppression was present at delivery in 96.7%; corresponding rates were 84.0% for atazanavir-ritonavir, 89.2% for raltegravir, and 89.8% for elvitegravir-cobicistat (adjusted risk differences vs dolutegravir were −13.0 percentage points [95% confidence interval {CI}, −17.0 to −6.1], −17.0 percentage points [95% CI, −27.0 to −2.4], and −7.0 percentage points [95% CI, −13.3 to −0.0], respectively). The observed risks of preterm birth were 13.6% to 17.6%. Adjusted risks of infants being born preterm, having low birth weight, or being SGA did not differ substantially between dolutegravir and other, non–dolutegravir-based ART. Although these contribute important information to the literature, the study has some limitations. There was limited information on some preterm birth variables, such as important predictors of low birth weight and preterm birth (ie, previous preterm birth, parity, and prepregnancy body mass index). Furthermore, the analysis involved participants from a large multisite cohort study, but samples of participants receiving INSTIs were small, thereby limiting both the ability to detect small differences in adverse birth outcomes and the ability to conduct stratified analyses in accordance to ART initiation timing. The authors of the study note that their results provide evidence suggesting lower levels of effectiveness in suppression at delivery using atazanavir-ritonavir and raltegravir than dolutegravir. Therefore, they suggest that darunavir-ritonavir is a reasonable alternative when dolutegravir use is not feasible.

Machine Learning-based Classifiers for the Prediction of Low Birth Weight.

Low birth weight (LBW) is a global concern associated with fetal and neonatal mortality as well as adverse consequences such as intellectual disability, impaired cognitive development, and chronic diseases in adulthood. Numerous factors contribute to LBW and vary based on the region. The main objectives of this study were to compare four machine learning classifiers in the prediction of LBW and to determine the most important factors related to this phenomenon in Hamadan, Iran. We carried out a retrospective cross-sectional study on a dataset collected from Fatemieh Hospital in 2017 that included 741 mother-newborn pairs and 13 potential factors. Decision tree, random forest, artificial neural network, support vector machine, and logistic regression (LR) methods were used to predict LBW, with five evaluation criteria utilized to compare performance. Our findings revealed a 7% prevalence of LBW. The average accuracy of all models was 87% or higher. The LR method provided a sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and accuracy of 74%, 89%, 7.04%, 29%, and 88%, respectively. Using LR, gestational age, number of abortions, gravida, consanguinity, maternal age at delivery, and neonatal sex were determined to be the six most important variables associated with LBW. Our findings underscore the importance of facilitating timely diagnosis of causes of abortion, providing genetic counseling to consanguineous couples, and strengthening care before and during pregnancy (particularly for young mothers) to reduce LBW.

Mother's perception of size at birth is a weak predictor of low birth weight: Evidence from Nepal Demographic and Health Survey.

Birth weight is a consistent predictor of morbidity and survivability in infancy and later life. This study aims to assess the accuracy of the mother's perception of size at birth to predict low birth weight(LBW). This study used data from Nepal Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS 2016). Information about 5060 mother pairs was obtained from the NDHS dataset. However, birth weight data were available for 3095 children, and therefore they were only included in the further analysis. The predictive accuracy of the mother's perception of size at birth to predict LBW was measured by sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value. Factors associated with the discordance among the mother's perception of birth size and birth weight were calculated using multinomial logistic regression analysis. The mother's perception of birth size had low sensitivity (62%) and positive predictive value (46.7%) but high specificity (90.1%) and negative predictive value (94.4%) to predict the LBW. The overall agreement between birth weight(<2500gram vs > = 2500 grams) and the mother's perceived size at birth (small vs average or above average) was 86% (Kappa = 0.45, 95%CI: 0.40-0.51), which is composed of a higher share of the agreement to identify non-LBW babies(79%) and a low share to identify LBW babies (7%). Among the five categories of mothers' perception of size at birth and birth weight, the agreement was 67.2% (Kappa = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.26-0.33). Education status, ethnicity, multiple births, and sex of the newborn child were significantly associated with the discordance between the mother's perceived size at birth and birth weight. A moderate agreement was found among the mother's perception of birth size and birth weight. Mothers were more likely to correctly identify non-LBW babies compared to LBW babies based on their perception of size at birth. Efforts should be intensified to promote the practice of weighing the baby at birth.

Effect of maternal dietary habits and gestational weight gain on birth weight: an analytical cross-sectional study among pregnant women in the Tamale Metropolis.

dietary intake and optimal gestational weight gain are important factors leading to a positive outcome for both mothers and their infants. Women who consume inadequate diet and gain inadequate weight during pregnancy are at risk of bearing a baby with low birth weight, whereas those who gain excessive weight are at increased risk of preeclampsia, having macrosomal babies, and gestational diabetes. The study aimed to assess the effect of maternal dietary intake, gestational weight on birth weight among pregnant women in Tamale Metropolis. the study was a health-facility-based analytical cross-sectional study that involved 316 postnatal mothers. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Data collected were analyzed using STATA version 12. Multiple logistic regression model was estimated to determine the predictors of birth weight. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. the study showed 17.8%, 55.9%, and 26.4% prevalence of inadequate, adequate, and excessive gestational weight gain, respectively. Although, all respondents consume supper every day, only 40.0% consumes snacks daily, 97.5% and 98.7% consumes breakfast and lunch daily respectively. Majority of the respondents (92.4%) had acceptable minimum dietary diversity. About 11.0% and 4.0% of the babies were low birth weight and macrosomic, respectively. Furthermore, the prevalence of inadequate and adequate dietary intake was, respectively, 7.6% and 92.4%. The results showed that underweight before pregnancy (BMI<18Kg/m2) (AOR=8.3, 95% CI: 6.7-15.0) and inadequate weight gain during pregnancy (AOR=4.5, 95% CI: 3.9-6.5) were significant determinant of low birthweight baby. on the whole, maternal body mass index and weight gain during pregnancy were strong predictors of low birth weight. Low birth weight is a major public health concern and the causes multifaceted in natures. Therefore, to deal with low birth weight, a more holistic and multi-sectoral approaches such as behaviour change communication and comprehensive preconception care are required.

Predictors of Low Birth Weight Neonates Delivered in a Hospital of Rupandehi, Nepal

INTRODUCTION Low birth weight has been defined by World Health Organization (WHO) as weight at birth of &lt;2500 grams (5.5 pounds). Low birth weight is more common in developing than developed countries. Intrauterine growth restriction, prematurity or both cause low birth weight. It contributes to a range of poor health outcomes and it is closely associated with fetal and neonatal mortality and morbidity, inhibited growth and cognitive development, and Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) later in life. Low birth weight infants are about 20 times more likely to die than heavier infants. MATERIAL AND METHODS A cross-sectional design was used to find out the prevalence and predictors of low birth weight among 327 singleton neonates delivered in a Universal College of Medical Sciences, Teaching Hospital, Bhairahawa, Nepal by using Enumerative sampling technique. Semi-structured, pre-tested interview and record report was used to collect data and analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics with SPSS version 16. RESULTS The study findings revealed that the prevalence of low birth weight is 28.5% and there is statistically significant association between parity (p= &lt;0.000), mode of delivery (p= 0.001), ANC visit (p= 0.016), iron supplement (p=&lt;0.000), tablet calcium (p=&lt;0.000), tablet albendazole (p=0.023), food taboos (p= 0.058), rest at night (0.000), alcohol (0.015) during pregnancy parity (p= &lt;0.000), mode of delivery (p= 0.001), ANC visit (p= 0.016), and low birth weight neonates. CONCLUSION The study concluded that the factors those were associated with low birth weight, which can be prevented at pregnancy period through good prenatal care and intervention programs such as health education on diet, rest, time to time check up, taking medicines, early identification of complication.

Intimate partner violence during pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Intimate partner violence is a significant public health issue that affects maternal and neonatal health worldwide. Several studies have been conducted to investigate the prevalence of intimate partner violence during pregnancy as well as the factors that contribute to it. As a result, the purpose of this study was to determine the impact of intimate partner violence on birth outcomes. International databases including Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, and CINAHL were used to search primary studies. The quality and strength of the included studies were evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale quality assessment tool. The studies heterogeneity and publication biases were assessed using I2 statistics and Egger's regression test. The Meta-analysis was carried out using STATA version 16 software. A total of nine hundred and fifty-eight articles were retrieved from various databases, and seventeen articles were included in the review. The pooled prevalence of intimate violence during pregnancy in Ethiopia was 32.23% (95% CI 28.02% -36.45%). During pregnancy, intimate partner violence was a significant predictor of low birth weight (AOR: 3.69, 95%CI 1.61-8.50) and preterm birth (AOR: 2.23, 95%CI 1.64-3.04). One in every three pregnant women experiences intimate partner violence. Women who experienced intimate partner violence during their pregnancy are more likely to experience adverse outcomes such as premature delivery and low birth weight infants.

Prediction of Low Birth Weight by Quadruple Parameters in High-Risk Pregnancies.

Aneuploidy screening is done in the early second trimester of pregnancy among all pregnant women as compulsory, with a special focus on those who had abnormal ultrasound parameters, higher dual marker risk, or other comorbidities. Recently, all individual quad markers of conventional trisomy screening have been suggested as useful in predicting adverse pregnancy outcomes (APO) such as preeclampsia, preterm labor, small for gestational age, and placental abruptions. However, similar studies on Indian pregnant women are limited. Hence, this study was intended to find the relation of quadruple markers with any other APO than aneuploidy. A retrospective study was conducted in a Tertiary Care multi-specialty hospital in North India. Data from 252 pregnant women's quadruple test was analyzed. The association of abnormal value of quadruple markers (human chorionic gonadotropin [HCG]/alpha-fetoprotein/uE3/Inhibin A) with adverse outcomes was evaluated. Multiple logistic regression analysis and classification and regression tree were used to predict the significant risk factor in high-risk pregnancies. In the study, a total (n = 252) of pregnant women, 190 were screened as high-risk pregnancies, whereas the remaining 62 were reported as low-risk using trisomy screening in the quadruple test. Baby birth weight was observed to be significantly associated with Inhibin-A, and HCG (P < 0.001), whereas Corrected (Corr)-multiple of median (MoM)-HCG (>1.415) and Inhibin-A Corr-MoM (>364.175) were the suitable predictor for the LBW. Both parameters were significantly higher in the high-risk group as compared to the low-risk group (each P < 0.05). Abnormal deviation of biochemical markers from aneuploidy screening assessment could help predict other perinatal adverse outcomes such as low birth weight babies.

Population history and genome wide association studies of birth weight in a native high altitude Ladakhi population.

Pathological low birth weight due to fetal growth restriction (FGR) is an important predictor of adverse obstetric and neonatal outcomes. It is more common amongst native lowlanders when gestating in the hypoxic environment of high altitude, whilst populations who have resided at high altitude for many generations are relatively protected. Genetic study of pregnant populations at high altitude permits exploration of the role of hypoxia in FGR pathogenesis, and perhaps of FGR pathogenesis more broadly. We studied the umbilical cord blood DNA of 316 neonates born to pregnant women managed at the Sonam Norboo Memorial Hospital, Ladakh (altitude 3540m) between February 2017 and January 2019. Principal component, admixture and genome wide association studies (GWAS) were applied to dense single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genetic data, to explore ancestry and genetic predictors of low birth weight. Our findings support Tibetan ancestry in the Ladakhi population, with subsequent admixture with neighboring Indo-Aryan populations. Fetal growth protection was evident in Ladakhi neonates. Although no variants achieved genome wide significance, we observed nominal association of seven variants across genes (ZBTB38, ZFP36L2, HMGA2, CDKAL1, PLCG1) previously associated with birthweight.

Machine learning algorithms for predicting low birth weight in Ethiopia

BackgroundBirth weight is a significant determinant of the likelihood of survival of an infant. Babies born at low birth weight are 25 times more likely to die than at normal birth weight. Low birth weight (LBW) affects one out of every seven newborns, accounting for about 14.6 percent of the babies born worldwide. Moreover, the prevalence of LBW varies substantially by region, with 7.2 per cent in the developed regions and 13.7 per cent in Africa, respectively. Ethiopia has a large burden of LBW, around half of Africa. These newborns were more likely to die within the first month of birth or to have long-term implications. These are stunted growth, low IQ, overweight or obesity, developing heart disease, diabetes, and early death. Therefore, the ability to predict the LBW is the better preventive measure and indicator of infant health risks.MethodThis study implemented predictive LBW models based on the data obtained from the Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey 2016. This study was employed to compare and identify the best-suited classifier for predictive classification among Logistic Regression, Decision Tree, Naive Bayes, K-Nearest Neighbor, Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine, Gradient Boosting, and Extreme Gradient Boosting.ResultsData preprocessing is conducted, including data cleaning. The Normal and LBW are the binary target category in this study. The study reveals that RF was the best classifier and predicts LBW with 91.60 percent accuracy, 91.60 percent Recall, 96.80 percent ROC-AUC, 91.60 percent F1 Score, 1.05 percent Hamming loss, and 81.86 percent Jaccard score.ConclusionThe RF predicted the occurrence of LBW more accurately and effectively than other classifiers in Ethiopia Demographic Health Survey. Gender of the child, marriage to birth interval, mother’s occupation and mother’s age were Ethiopia’s top four critical predictors of low birth weight in Ethiopia.

EP35.01: Abdominal circumference &lt; 3rd, &lt; 5th or &lt; 10th centile at 18–24 weeks: predictor of low birthweight – how less is “too less”?

EP35.01: Abdominal circumference &lt; 3rd, &lt; 5th or &lt; 10th centile at 18–24 weeks: predictor of low birthweight – how less is “too less”?

Prevalence, predictors of low birth weight and its association with maternal iron status using serum ferritin concentration in rural Eastern Ethiopia: a prospective cohort study

IntroductionLow birth weight (LBW) is one of the major predictors of perinatal survival, infant morbidity, and mortality, as well as the risk of developmental disabilities and illnesses in future lives. The effect of the nutritional status of pregnant women on birth outcomes is becoming a common research agenda, but evidence on the level of low birth weight (LBW) and its association with prenatal iron status in Ethiopia, particularly among rural residents, is limited. Thus, this study aimed to assess the prevalence, predictors of LBW, and its association with maternal iron status using serum ferritin concentration in Haramaya district, eastern Ethiopia, 2021.MethodsA community-based prospective cohort study design was conducted. Of a total of 427 eligible pregnant women followed until birth, 412 (96.48%) were included in the final analysis. Iron status was determined using serum ferritin (SF) concentration from venous blood collected aseptically from the ante-cubital veins analyzed on a fully automated Cobas e411 (German, Japan Cobas 4000 analyzer series) immunoassay analyzer. Iron deficiency(ID) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) were classified as having SF less than 15 μg/L and SF less than 15 μg/L and Hb level of < 11.0 g/dl during the first or third trimester or < 10.5 g/dl during the second trimester as well, respectively. Birthweight was measured within 72 h of birth and < 2500 g was considered LBW. Birthweight was measured within 72 h of birth and < 2500 g was considered as LBW. A Poisson regression model with robust variance estimation was used to investigate the factors associated with LBW and the association between maternal iron status and LBW. An adjusted prevalence ratio with a 95% confidence interval was reported to show an association using a p-value < 0.05.ResultsAbout 20.2% (95% CI: 16%-24%) of neonates were born with LBW. The prevalence of LBW was 5.04 (95% CI = 2.78–9.14) times higher among women who were iron deficient during pregnancy compared to those who were normal. The neonates of women who were iron deficient during pregnancy had lower birth weight (aPR=5.04; 95% CI = 2.78–9.14) than the neonates of women who were normal. Prevalence of LBW was higher among mothers who were undernourished (MUAC < 23cm) (aPR = 1.92; 95% CI= 1.33–2.27), stunted (height <145cm) (aPR=1.54; 95% CI=1.04–2.27) and among female neonates (aPR=3.70; 95% CI= 2.28–6.00). However, women who were supplemented with iron and folic acid (IFAS) during pregnancy had a 45% decreased chance of delivering low birth weight (aPR= 0.55; 95% CI=0.36–0.84).ConclusionWe found that LBW is of public health significance in this predominantly rural setting. ID during pregnancy is found to have a negative effect on birth weight. IFA supplementation, the maternal under-nutrition, height, and sex of neonates were identified as predictors of low weight at birth. To improve maternal nutritional status, health interventions must address targeted strategies promoting desirable food behavior and nutritional practices. These include; promoting the consumption of diversified and rich iron food to improve the maternal nutritional status. A continued effort is needed in enhancing universal access and compliance with IFA supplementation to improve maternal health. Intervention strategies that are complementary and comprehensive across the vulnerable periods for women during pregnancy and their neonates that are based on a life-cycle approach are suggested.

Determinants of Low Birth Weight Occurrence in Bahteramas Regional General Hospital, Southeast Sulawesi Province, Indonesia

Objective: This study aims to identify the determinants of Low Birth Weight (LBW) in Bahteramas General Hospital, Southeast Sulawesi Province, Indonesia.&#x0D; Method: This research uses an institutional-based Case-Control Study design from May to June 2021 at the Bahteramas Hospital, Southeast Sulawesi Province. Data were collected from 134 samples of mothers giving birth, with 67 of them having babies with birth weight &lt;2500 g (cases) and 67 of them having birth weights &gt;2500 g (controls) using secondary data, namely medical records. Data were analyzed by univariate, bivariate with odds ratio test, and multivariate analysis with multiple logistic regression to identify the determinants of LBW..&#x0D; Result: Based on the logistic regression analysis, it found that the mother's educational status variable was ≤12 years [AOR 0.19 (95% CI 0.06-0.62)]; mothers with parity one or &gt;3 [AOR 0.06 (95% CI 0.01-0.21)]; birth spacing &lt;2 years [AOR 4.49 (95% CI 1.37-14.74)], mothers who had a history of hypertension during pregnancy [AOR 0.07 (95% CI 0.02-0.23)]; and mothers who had a history of anemia during pregnancy [AOR 0.10 (95% CI 0.03-0.31)] with parameter significance in the partial test, each p&lt;0.05, shown to be associated with the incidence of LBW.&#x0D; Conclusions: This study concludes that the mother's low educational status, parity, birth spacing, history of hypertension, and history of anemia were found to be predictors of LBW. It is necessary to improve the knowledge, maintain birth interval, and routinely carry out ANC visits for early detection of pregnancy complications.&#x0D; Keywords: LBW; education status, parity; birth interval; history of hypertension; history of anemia.

The Impact of Increased Maternal sFlt-1/PlGF Ratio on Motor Outcome of Preterm Infants.

BackgroundThe sFlt-1 (soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1)/PlGF (placental growth factor) ratio serves as a clinical biomarker to predict the hypertensive, placenta-derived pregnancy disorder pre-eclampsia which is often associated with placental dysfunction and fetal growth restriction. Additionally elevated levels also indicate an increased risk for prematurity. However, its predictive value for subsequent neonatal neurological outcome has not been studied.ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the correlation of maternal sFlt-1/PlGF ratio with early motor outcome of preterm infants. Design/Methods: 88 preterm infants (gestational age ≤ 34 + 0) born between February 2017 and August 2020 at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Essen in Germany, were included, when the following variables were available: maternal sFlt-1/PlGF levels at parturition and general movement assessment of the infant at the corrected age of 3 to 5 months. The infants were stratified into high and low ratio groups according to maternal sFlt-1/PlGF cut-off values of 85. To investigate the early motor repertoire and quality of spontaneous movements of the infant, the Motor Optimality Score (MOS-R) based on antigravity movements and posture patterns, was applied. In the given age, special attention was paid to the presence of fidgety movements. Linear regressions were run to test differences in infants motor repertoire according to the maternal sFlt-1/PIGF ratio.ResultsLinear regression analysis showed that the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio does not predict the MOS-R score (β=≤0.001; p=0.282). However, children with birth weight below the 10th percentile scored significantly lower (mean 20.7 vs 22.7; p=0.035). These children were 91% in the group with an increased ratio, which in turn is a known predictor of low birth weight (β= -0.315; p <0.001). In the group with a high sFlt-1/PLGF ratio above 85 the mothers of female infants had a lower average sFlt-1/PlGF ratio compared to a male infant (median: 438 in female vs. 603 in male infant, p=0.145).ConclusionsIn our cohort, especially low birth weight, which correlated with an elevated sFlt-1/PlGF ratio, had a negative effect on the outcome in the MOS-R. A direct correlation between an increased ratio and a worse motor outcome was not demonstrated.

Socio-economic and cultural determinants of mothers and fathers for low birth weight newborns in the region of Marrakech (Morocco): A case-control study.

BackgroundLow birth weight (LBW) is defined as a birth weight less than 2500 g. It is an important predictor of early neonatal mortality, morbidity, and long-term health outcomes. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for low birth weight in Marrakech Morocco.MethodsA retrospective based case-control study was conducted from July 2018 to July 2019. 462 mother infant pairs (231 low birth weight babies as cases and 231 normal birth weights as controls) were included in the study. Data were collected through face to face interview using a structured and pretested questionnaire. The collected data were managed with Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20. Bivariate and multivariate binary logistic regression were used to identify factors associated with low birth weight at p-value < 0.05 with their respective odds ratios and 95% confidence interval.ResultsThe univariate analysis revealed the effect of the following determinants on the LBW: rural residence, father’s age, father’s professional activity, consanguinity, family type, mother’s low educational level, and mother’s intense physical activity. After the multivariate analysis, the risk factors identified were: rural residence (P = 0.017), father’s professional activity (temporarily working) (P = 0.000), absence of the consanguinity link (P = 0.016), and mother’s intense physical activity (P = 0.014).ConclusionResults show father’s professional activity (temporarily working), rural residence, absence of the consanguinity link and mother’s intense physical activity are independent predictors of low birth weight. The current findings add substantially to the growing literature on the influence of parent’s socio-demographic and cultural factors on LBW in resource-constrained settings and provide empirical data for public health interventions to reduce low birth weight.

Low Birth Weight Baby and Its Associated Factors among Rural Women in Bangladesh: A Decision Curve Analysis

Background: Low birth weight is considered to be one of the main risk factors for infant mortality and morbidity. It is associated with a range of both short- and long-term consequences. Objectives: The study examined the factors contributing to low birth weight of the baby in Bangladesh. This study also attempted with the objective of ensuing a prediction of low birth weight. Methods: The study was a case-control quantitative survey. A three-stage cluster sample design was used to conduct the survey. A total of 674 (337 cases and 337 control) mothers/care givers of under 1 year children were selected from 2 districts of Bangladesh. Binary logistic regression and decision curve analysis were used to investigate the factors which attribute to low birth weight baby born. Results: The findings of the study revealed that mean birth weight was 2.1±0.4 kg among low birth weight children whereas it was 3.0±0.5 kg for normal birth weight children. The mean age of sampled mothers was 25.2±5.4 years. Every 2 in 3 mage got married before 18 years. The prevalence of low birth weight baby among the women with secondary or higher education was lower (47.4%) compared to the women no formal education (65.4%). Analysis revealed that several socio-demographic factors like parental education level, maternal age at first marriage, working status were significantly associated with low birth weight of the baby (p&lt;0.05). Some biological and medical factors like multiple births, maturity of the birth, prenatal care and taking iron and folic acid during pregnancy were also significantly associated with low birth weight baby born. Finally, decision curve analysis technique predicted a net benefit of 0.3907 for the profitable model with highest number of factors. This result implies that the fitted model can predict 39% low birth weight based on independent factors. Conclusion: Prediction model indicates that parental and biological factors are caused for low birth weight baby born in rural areas. Maternal and child health program should focus behavioural change regarding create awareness of disadvantage of early marriage, intake IFA supplementation, at least 4 ANC visit to reduce low birth weight baby born. Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 2021; 47(1): 42-49