Significant Predictors Of Low Birth Weight Research Articles

Factors associated with low birth weight in Mali: a cross-sectional study

Introduction: Low birth weight (LBW) is a public health problem in both developed and developing countries. The objective of this study was to investigate its prevalence and associated risk factors. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Kita and San health districts from November 2017 to November 2018. It involved 1258 participants in the two districts. Data were analyzed using the software SPSS version 25. A logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with LBW. The significance threshold was set at p < 0.05. Results: The incidence of low birth weight (LBW) was 7.1%. Following a multivariate logistic regression analysis, marital status (unmarried), gravidity (primigravidity), and gestational age (<37 weeks) emerged as significant predictors of LBW, with adjusted odds ratios of 2.70 [1.15 - 6.35], p = 0.023, 2.36 [1.40 - 3.98], p = 0.001, and 15.36 [6.92 - 34.08], p < 0.001, respectively. Conclusion: These findings suggest that primigravidity, unmarried status, and gestational age less than 37 weeks are associated with LBW in Mali. LBW is a multidimensional challenge, and an integrated approach of medical, social, economic, and educational measures is required to address this concern. Keywords: LBW; associated factors; Mali

Prevalence and Determinants of Low Birth Weight among the Newborns in Dadra and Nagar Haveli: A Community-based Study.

The world is not on track to meet the World Health Assembly (WHA) global target on Low Birth Weight (LBW). To estimate the prevalence and to identify the associated determinants of LBW among the newborns. We conducted a cross-sectional study among the 364 mothers registered under the all government health facilities of Dadra & Nagar Haveli (DNH) during November 2021 to January 2022. The prevalence of LBW was found to be 39%. On uni-variable logistic regression, live in relationship, caste, weight of mother, Body Mass Index (BMI), weight gain <5 kg in 2nd and 3rd trimester, high-risk pregnancy, complication present in previous pregnancy and preterm delivery, while on multi-variable logistic regression, weight gain <5 kg in 2nd and 3rd trimester (AOR 2, 95% CI 1.007-4.2) and having high-risk pregnancy (AOR 2, 95% CI 1.1-3.0) were found to be the significant predictors of LBW among the newborns. We conclude from the study that the prevalence of low birth weight among the newborn was high. There is a need to address maternal and child health issues like low birth weight, malnutrition and high-risk pregnancy under the RMNCAH+N program through various effective interventions. Future research should evaluate the feasibility of collaborative activities between RMNCAH+N program and the UNICEF in India.

Association between maternal HIV infection and birthweight in a tertiary hospital in southern Ethiopia: retrospective cohort study

BackgroundHuman Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and low birth weight (LBW) continue to be significant public health concerns in many low-income countries including Ethiopia. Yet the effect of maternal HIV infection on birth weight has not been thoroughly explored and the existing studies reported opposing findings. We examined the association between maternal HIV infection and LBW in a tertiary hospital in Southern Ethiopia.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted based on the medical records of 277 HIV-negative and 252 HIV-positive mothers who gave singleton live birth between September 2014 to August 2017 in Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Southern Ethiopia. The recodes were identified using systematic sampling approach and relevant information were extracted by using pretested extraction form. Multivariable binary logit model was fitted to examine the relationship between the exposure and outcome while adjusting for potential confounders. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) is used for summarizing the findings of the analysis.ResultsThe mean (± standard deviation) birth weight of infants born to HIV-negative women (3.1 ± 0.7 kg) was significantly higher than those born to HIV-positive counterparts (3.0 ± 0.6 kg) (p = 0.020). The prevalence of LBW was also significantly higher in the HIV-exposed group (22.2%) than the non-exposed group (13.7%) (p = 0.011). In the logit model adjusted for multiple covariates, HIV-positive women had four times increased odds than HIV-negative women to give birth to LBW infant(AOR = 4.03, 95% CI: 2.01–8.06). Other significant predictors of LBW were rural place of residence (AOR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.16–3.60), prenatal anemia (AOR = 3.17, 95% CI: 1.71–5.90), chronic hypertension (AOR = 3.68, 95% CI: 1.10–12.46) and preeclampsia (AOR = 6.80, 95% CI: 3.00–15.38).ConclusionMaternal HIV infection is associated with increased odds of LBW. HIV prevention activities are also likely to contribute for the reduction of LBW.

The association between low birth weight and mothers diseases in Iran: A case-control study.

Neonates are too vulnerable that low birth weight (LBW) and preterm birth can easily threaten their lives. Demographic, social and environmental factors as well as health care are contributing factors for LBW. The study was conducted in 10 provinces of Iran to investigate the association between LBW and mother's diseases. A case-control study was conducted in 10 provinces of Iran on 2580 mothers (712 cases and 1868 controls) referred to public health care centers. We used a questionnaire to collect data. For univariate analysis we used chi-square test and for multivariable analysis we used logistic regression model. LBW was significantly associated with living in rural area (OR = 1.4 CI: 1.14-1.71), having body mass index (BMI)<18 (OR = 1.48 CI: 1.14-1.92), being a housewife (OR = 1.65 CI: 1.07-2.53), having high blood pressure (OR = 1.91 CI: 1.26-2.88), and having pregnancy without testing for diabetes (OR = 1.91 CI: 1.44-2.54). Minor thalassemia, hypothyroidism, oral health care and headache were not significant predictors for LBW. In this study, we observed that place of residence, BMI before pregnancy, mother's occupation and gestational diabetes were significant predictors of LBW. It is necessary to improve women's awareness about prenatal health care before pregnancy to avoid LBW.

Teachers’ Use of Instructional Materials in the Teaching and Learning of Mathematics in private Secondary Schools of Gasabo District, Rwanda

Low birth weight (LBW) is one of the leading causes of infant mortality, a pivotal indicator of maternal and child health, and a serious public health issue that can cause complications even in adulthood. The study focused on determining the factors that are associated with low birth weight in Hopley farm, Harare. The study participants consisted of 90 cases and 90 controls. Delivery registers were reviewed to obtain participants’ physio-demographic, medical, and obstetric data. Phone calls were used to obtain socioeconomic and nutritional data from participants and a structured questionnaire was used to document information. Univariate logistic regression analysis was used to calculate odds ratios and p-values in order to determine the association at 95% confidence interval. Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) was calculated to determine food consumption related indicators. Controls had a higher dietary diversity score than cases. The prevalence of LBW in Hopley was 13%. The study identified getting pregnant at age below 20 years, gravida 1 status, parity, lack of nutritional / counselling education, history of delivering low birth weight infants, affiliation to an African apostolic church, low income less than USD20, vending and eating mound to be significant predictors of LBW. LBW was found to be related to socioeconomic, medical, nutritive, and demographic factors. The study recommends more exploration on the impact of the level of nutritional education on LBW problem in Zimbabwe and the possibility of offering incentives to encourage childbearing women to acquire nutritional education.

A Case Control Study on Risk Factors Associated with Low Birth Weight Babies in Eastern Nepal.

Background. This study was done to assess the maternal and sociodemographic factors associated with low birth weight (LBW) babies. Methods. An unmatched case control study was done involving 159 cases (mothers having LBW singleton babies) and 159 controls (mothers having normal birth weight singleton babies). Results. More than 50% of LBW babies were from the mothers with height ≤145 cm while only 9.43% of NBW babies were from the mothers with that height. Finally, after multivariate logistic regression analysis, maternal height, time of first antenatal care (ANC) visit, number of ANC visits, iron supplementation, calcium supplementation, maternal education, any illness during pregnancy, and hypertension were found as the significant predictors of LBW. However, maternal blood group AB, normal maternal Body Mass Index (BMI), mother's age of 30 or more years, and starting ANC visit earlier were found to be protective for LBW. Conclusion. Study findings suggest that selectively targeted interventions such as delay age at first pregnancy, improving maternal education and nutrition, and iron and calcium supplementation can prevent LBW in Nepal.

Socio-economic and nutritional determinants of low birth weight in India

Background:Low birth weight (LBW) is an important risk factor for childhood morbidity and mortality, consequently an important public health concern.Aim:This study aims to identify significant socio-economic and nutritional determinants associated with LBW in India.Materials and Methods:Data from 2005 to 2006 National Family Health Survey-3 (NFHS-3) of India was analyzed. A total of 20,946 women (15-49 years) who gave birth at least once 5 years preceding the NFHS-3 were included in this study. Infant's LBW (<2500 grams) as outcome variable was examined in association with all independent predictors as infant's sex, maternal household wealth status, caste, age, education, body mass index (BMI), stature, anemia level, parity, inter-pregnancy interval, antenatal care received, and living place.Results:Almost 20% of the infants were born with LBW. Mother's low education level, BMI <18.5, short stature (height <145 centimeters) and lack of antenatal visits (<4 visits) were significant predictors of LBW. Male gender has a protective effect against LBW.Conclusion:Maternal education, nutritional status and antenatal care received are key determinants that need to be addressed to reduce prevalence of LBW in India. Continue implementation of multifaceted health promotion interventions are needed to address these factors effectively.

Neonatal Outcomes and Mental Illness, Substance Abuse, and Intentional Injury During Pregnancy

Mental illness (MI), substance abuse (SA), and intentional injury (II) are known individual risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes. Their combined association with preterm birth (PTB) and low birth weight (LBW) remains relatively unexplored. We examined hospital utilization for the co-occurrence of II and MI or SA in pregnant women in Massachusetts and assessed their interactive association with PTB and LBW. This retrospective cohort study used ICD-9 and E-codes reported on linked birth and hospital utilization data to identify MI, SA, and II diagnoses during pregnancy for 176,845 Massachusetts resident women who delivered during 2002-2004. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) for the independent and joint associations of MI, SA, and II on PTB and LBW were calculated. Two thousand two hundred and eight women (1.6%) had a prenatal MI visit, 834 (0.5%) a prenatal SA visit, and 847 (0.5%) a prenatal II visit. Among them 163 women had MI and II visits and 69 had SA and II visits. SA, MI, and II were all significant predictors of LBW and PTB. Women with both SA and II had higher odds of PTB (OR 2.7 95% CI 1.3-5.7) and LBW (OR 5.3 95% CI 3.9-7.3) than women with neither diagnosis. Prenatal MI, SA, and II are risk factors for LBW and PTB. Women with SA and II co-diagnoses have greater risk of LBW and PTB than women with neither diagnosis. Screening, timely diagnosis, and treatment of women with co-occurring morbidities, particularly II and SA, should be incorporated into reproductive and perinatal health programs.

Risk of low birth weight and preterm delivery in singleton pregnancies conceived by women with and without a history of infertility

OBJECTIVE: To determine predictors and risk of low birth weight (LBW) and preterm delivery (PTD) in singleton pregnancies conceived by women with a history of infertility. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted at 11 infertility clinics in Northern California. Data were collected on 983 women who carried singleton pregnancies to ≥ 20 weeks gestation between 1994 and 1998. These women either conceived naturally following a history of infertility or they conceived using infertility treatment. The fertile comparison group (n= 1008) was identified through California Vital Statistics records and matched on singleton status, maternal age, and county of delivery. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the frequency of LBW between the three groups of women (chi-square 9.12, p=.01). There were more women in the infertile with treatment group compared to the fertile comparison group who delivered a LBW infant. There was no significant difference (chi-square 1.23, p= .541) in the frequency of PTD between the three groups of women. Women with a history of infertility who gave birth to a LBW infant were 1.55 (95% CI 1.03, 2.34) times more likely to have undergone infertility treatment to conceive their pregnancy than those women with a history of infertility who conceived a pregnancy without treatment, controlling for maternal age, parity, gestational diabetes, and obesity. Nulliparity was a significant predictor of LBW; women who gave birth to a LBW infant were 1.51 times (95% CI 1.07, 2.14) more likely to be nulliparous controlling for maternal age, gestational diabetes and obesity, regardless of fertility status. CONCLUSIONS: Women with a history of infertility who undergo infertility treatment and conceive a singleton pregnancy may be at increased risk for giving birth to a LBW infant, but there does not appear to be an increased risk for preterm delivery.

The influence of maternal cigarette smoking, snuff use and passive smoking on pregnancy outcomes: the Birth To Ten Study

This article describes the patterns and effects of maternal snuff use, cigarette smoking and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke during pregnancy on birthweight and gestational age, in women living in Johannesburg and Soweto in 1990. A cohort of 1593 women with singleton live births provided information about their own and household members' usage of tobacco products during pregnancy. The women completed a questionnaire while attending antenatal services. Data on gestational age and birthweight were obtained from birth records. Women who smoked cigarettes or used snuff during pregnancy accounted for 6.1% and 7.5% of the study population respectively. The mean birthweight of non-tobacco users was 3148 g [95% CI 3123, 3173] and that of the smokers 2982 g [95% CI 2875, 3090], resulting in a significantly lower mean birthweight of 165 g for babies of smoking mothers (P = 0.005). In contrast, women using snuff gave birth to infants with a mean birthweight of 3118 g [95% CI 3043, 3192], which is a non-significant (P = 0.52) decrease (29.4 g) in their infants' birthweights compared with those not using tobacco. A linear regression analysis identified short gestational age, female infant, a mother without hypertension during pregnancy, coloured (mixed racial ancestry), and Asian infants compared with black infants, lower parity, less than 12 years of education and smoking cigarettes as significant predictors of low birthweight, while the use of snuff during pregnancy was not associated with low birthweight. The snuff users, however, had a significant shorter gestational age than the other two groups of women. The birthweight reduction adjusted for possible confounders was 137 g [95% CI 26.6, 247.3 (P = 0.015)] for cigarette smokers and 17.1 g [95% CI -69.5, -102.7, P = 0.69] for snuff users respectively, compared with the birthweight of non-tobacco users. Among women who did not smoke cigarettes or use snuff, exposure to environmental tobacco smoke did not result in significant effects on the birthweight of their infants. In conclusion, infants of cigarette smokers had significantly lower birthweights than those of non-tobacco users or snuff users who are exposed to nicotine during pregnancy. Passive smoking did not affect birthweight significantly in this population.

Factors Associated with Low Birthweight in Rural Bangladesh

This study examines factors associated with low birthweight (LBW) in rural Bangladesh. Enrolled in early first trimester, 350 women were followed for duration of pregnancy and data gathered on maternal factors such as social, demographic, anthropometric, biochemical measures and newborn's birth weight within 48 hours of birth. Almost a quarter of babies (24%) were born with LBW and mean birth weight was 2961 g. Bivariate analysis found associations between LBW and mother's age, parity, weight and hemoglobin level at booking, weight gain and health problems during pregnancy, tobacco consumption, and gestational age. But no such association was seen for birth spacing, mother's height, economic status, educational level, body mass index, mid upper arm circumference and number of ANC visits. Multivariable analysis revealed gestational age, hemoglobin levels at first visit and weight gain during pregnancy as significant predictors of LBW in this rural setting. Although antenatal care provision is absolutely necessary, intervention approaches that go beyond clinical or primary care settings are also warranted for better nutrition of women. Concerted efforts in health and non-health sectors are necessary for improvement in health and social status of women in order to reduce low birthweight in Bangladesh.

Assessing the net effect of young maternal age on birthweight.

Pregnancy during adolescence presents an increased risk for low birthweight, which is attributed not only to physiologic immaturity but also to socioeconomic and behavioral risk factors associated with adolescence. The independent effect of maternal age on birthweight is difficult to ascertain because age is closely entangled with these risks. We first examined the effect of being an adolescent mother on these risk pathways and then estimated the net effect of maternal age on birthweight (weight in grams or low birthweight (<2500 g)) after controlling for these risks. We used data on 214 adolescent and 415 adult primiparae and their infants from the Cebu Longitudinal Health and Nutrition Survey, a community-based survey in Metro Cebu, Philippines. Consistent with findings from other studies, adolescents in this sample were more socioeconomically disadvantaged, had poorer nutritional status during pregnancy, and received less prenatal care than adults. Bivariate analyses showed that infants of adolescents had a lower mean birthweight and were more at risk of low birthweight compared to those born to older mothers. When socioeconomic, biological, and behavioral risk factors were controlled for, young maternal age ceased to have an effect on birthweight in grams but remained a significant predictor of low birthweight. The common pathways through which maternal age influenced both birthweight variables were through its effects on maternal height and weight-for-height during pregnancy. In the model predicting birthweight in grams the maternal age effect was further manifested through prenatal care utilization.

Factors affecting birthweight of rural Australian Aborigines

Aim : To examine factors affecting birthweight of Aboriginal infants in the Kimberley region of north-west Australia. Research design : A retrospective study of maternal and infant health records obtained through routine data collection. Subjects and methods : Birthweight and length of 2959 infants born to 1822 women from 1986 to 1994 were analysed. Mothers and infants were matched using unique identification codes. Index births and subsequent births to the same mother were collated in order to examine relative birth order effects and to calculate birth intervals. Results : Regression analysis showed significant associations between weight of the index birth and maternal age ( p < 0.001), remoteness of locality ( p < 0.01), sex of the infant ( p < 0.001) and maternal height ( p < 0.001). Length at birth was significantly associated with ethnicity of infant (Aboriginal vs Aboriginal/non-Aboriginal admixture, p < 0.05), sex ( p < 0.001), remoteness ( p < 0.01) and maternal height ( p < 0.001). Similar associations were observed for second and subsequent births. Birth interval was not associated with birthweight or length. Low birthweight was also more common to Aboriginal mothers compared with mothers of Aboriginal/non-Aboriginal admixture (13.1% vs 9.2%; h 2 = 5.1, p < 0.025) even though there were no differences in height between these two groups. Teenage mothers ( r 19 years) were no more likely to have low birthweight babies than older mothers. Of the variables examined, the only significant predictor of low birthweight was a previous low birthweight baby (relative risk = 4.45, p < 0.001). Conclusions : Short birth intervals and teenage births were not significant contributors to low birthweight in the present study. The high prevalence and duration of breastfeeding in the Kimberley may contribute to long average birth intervals. Pre-term birth, rather than intrauterine growth retardation, is likely to be the most common cause of low birthweight in this population.

Prepregnancy body mass index, weight gain during pregnancy, and perinatal outcome in a rural black population

Relationships between body mass index (BMI) and weight gain with perinatal outcome and birthweight were examined. BMI was calculated on 582 consecutive pregnant women who delivered at or >37 weeks gestational age. Statistical analysis was done using Chi-square tests, analysis of variance, and multiple logistic regression. Of those studied, 13% were underweight, 39% normal, 13% overweight, and 35% obese. Obesity was associated with increasing age (P < .01), multiparity (P < .01), previous cesarean delivery (P < .01), previous macrosomia (P = .01), previous fetal death (P = .03), hypertensive disorders (P < .01), gestational diabetes (P = .02), cesarean delivery (P = .03), and neonatal intensive care unit admission (NICU) (P = .01). The underweight group had the most low birthweight (LBW) infants and the lowest mean birthweight. Ideal weight gain occurred in 31%, inadequate weight gain in 34%, and excessive weight gain in 35%. Inadequate weight gain had increased asthma (P < .05), and hyperemesis (P = .03). Women with ideal weight gain had less smokers (P < .01), fetal distress (P < .05), cesarean delivery (P = .02), and preeclampsia (P < .001). The mean birthweight was highest in the excessive weight gain (P < .01). With multivariate analysis, previous LBW, BMI, and tobacco use were significant predictors of LBW. Normal BMI and ideal weight gain in pregnancy is associated with decreased perinatal complications and an optimum birthweight.

Prepregnancy body mass index, weight gain during pregnancy, and perinatal outcome in a rural black population

Relationships between body mass index (BMI) and weight gain with perinatal outcome and birthweight were examined. BMI was calculated on 582 consecutive pregnant women who delivered at or >37 weeks gestational age. Statistical analysis was done using Chi-square tests, analysis of variance, and multiple logistic regression. Of those studied, 13% were underweight, 39% normal, 13% overweight, and 35% obese. Obesity was associated with increasing age (P < .01), multiparity (P < .01), previous cesarean delivery (P < .01), previous macrosomia (P = .01), previous fetal death (P = .03), hypertensive disorders (P < .01), gestational diabetes (P = .02), cesarean delivery (P = .03), and neonatal intensive care unit admission (NICU) (P = .01). The underweight group had the most low birthweight (LBW) infants and the lowest mean birthweight. Ideal weight gain occurred in 31%, inadequate weight gain in 34%, and excessive weight gain in 35%. Inadequate weight gain had increased asthma (P < .05), and hyperemesis (P = .03). Women with ideal weight gain had less smokers (P < .01), fetal distress (P < .05), cesarean delivery (P = .02), and preeclampsia (P < .001). The mean birthweight was highest in the excessive weight gain (P < .01). With multivariate analysis, previous LBW, BMI, and tobacco use were significant predictors of LBW. Normal BMI and ideal weight gain in pregnancy is associated with decreased perinatal complications and an optimum birthweight. J. Matern–Fetal. Med. 7:190–193, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Low birthweight in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: incidence and risk factors

In a multicentre prospective study, we have determined the incidence of low birthweight (LBW) and the main predisposing risk factors. Among 4651 consecutive births over a 5-month period in five hospitals in Riyadh, the overall incidence of LBW was 8.4%. When stillbirths were excluded the incidence of LBW was 7.4% of all live births. Statistical analysis was performed among 638 births (319 LBW infants, i.e. less than or equal to 2499 g and 319 babies weighing 2500 g or more). Of the 28 antenatal risk variables analysed, 13 were found to be significant when studied separately. Of these 13 variables, six were found to be significant predictors of LBW, using stepwise multiple logistic regression. These six variables together correctly predicted 72% and 88% of the LBW babies or normal birthweight babies, respectively. The risk factors thus identified were (i) short gestation, (ii) multiple gestation, (iii) low maternal body mass index, (iv) nulliparity, (v) availability of housework help, and (vi) absence of consanguinity. Measures for reducing these factors are also discussed.

Generational differences in perinatal health among the Mexican American population: findings from HHANES 1982-84.

Data from the Hispanic Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (HHANES) were used to examine a profile of social, medical, and behavioral characteristics associated with low birth-weight (LBW) and miscarriages in first and second generation Hispanics of Mexican descent. The percentage of LBW was 5.3 and of miscarriages was 12.7. LBW rates were higher for second generation primipara and multipara compared with first generation women. Using multivariate logistic regression techniques and adjusting for complex design effects, generation was found to be a significant predictor of LBW but not of miscarriages. The findings support existing evidence that a Mexican cultural orientation protects first generation. Mexico-born women against a risk for LBW. However, the findings do not show significant effects of generation on miscarriages, suggesting that cultural effects are not consistent for all pregnancy outcomes. Furthermore, we suggest that the higher rates of LBW in second generation women are not due to a higher rate of miscarriages as has been hypothesized.