Low birth weight as a risk factor for infant mortality in Egypt

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Demography
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Infant mortality remains a critical global health challenge, particularly in developing nations.
• Low birth weight is a well-established risk factor for infant mortality, but its independent impact requires further elucidation.
• Understanding associated risk factors is crucial for developing effective public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the independent risk of infant mortality among low-birth-weight infants.
• To identify other significant risk factors associated with infant mortality in the study population.

Main Methods:

• Survival regression analysis was employed.
• Data from 11,361 childbirths preceding the 2000 Egypt Demographic and Health Survey were analyzed.
• The study controlled for various demographic and environmental risk factors.

Main Results:

• Low-birth-weight children were approximately 3 times more likely to experience infant mortality (Hazard Ratio = 2.89).
• Higher birth order, shorter birth intervals, and inadequate access to prenatal care, safe water, and sanitation increased infant mortality risk.
• Urban residence and specific rural regions in Upper Egypt were also associated with higher mortality.

Conclusions:

• Low birth weight is a strong independent predictor of infant mortality.
• Socioeconomic and environmental factors significantly influence infant survival.
• Targeted interventions addressing birth weight and associated risk factors are essential for reducing infant mortality in Egypt.