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Factors influencing low birth weight and prematurity in Botswana
1Department of Demography, University of Botswana, Gaborone.
Insights
Socioeconomic, biological, and behavioral factors significantly impact low birth weight and prematurity in Botswana. Early, regular antenatal care, marriage, and place of birth are crucial protective factors for infant health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Maternal and Child Health
- Public Health
- Demography
Background:
- Low birth weight (LBW) and prematurity are critical global health concerns, particularly in developing nations.
- Understanding contributing factors is essential for targeted interventions to improve neonatal outcomes.
- Botswana faces persistent challenges with LBW and preterm birth rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify socioeconomic, biological, and behavioral determinants of LBW and prematurity in Botswana.
- To inform public health strategies aimed at reducing adverse birth outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of the Botswana Obstetric Record (1990-1995).
- Utilized descriptive statistics and multivariate analysis to assess risk factors.
- Examined data from a large cohort of births in Botswana.
Main Results:
- Key risk factors for LBW included infrequent antenatal care, prior pregnancy termination, low education, unmarried motherhood, and place of birth.
- Major risk factors for prematurity comprised maternal age, infrequent antenatal care, unmarried motherhood, and place of birth.
- Consistent protective factors for both outcomes were early/regular antenatal care, marriage, and place of birth.
Conclusions:
- Socioeconomic and behavioral factors significantly influence LBW and prematurity in Botswana.
- Antenatal care attendance, marital status, and place of birth are critical modifiable factors.
- Targeted interventions focusing on these factors can improve neonatal health in Botswana.
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to investigate the socioeconomic, biological and behavioural factors influencing low birth weight and prematurity in Botswana. Data were from the Botswana Obstetric Record covering the years 1990 to 1995, and were analysed with both descriptive statistics and multivariate analysis. The study found that the major positive risk factors for low birth weight were: late and less frequent attendance of antenatal care services, having experienced pregnancy termination before, low or no education, unmarried motherhood and place of birth. With regard to prematurity, age, late and less frequent attendance of antenatal care services, unmarried motherhood and place of birth were found to be the major positive risk factors. The importance of early and regular antenatal care attendance, marriage and place of birth cut across both low birth weight and prematurity.