Distribution and Determinants of Low Birth Weight in Developing Countries
Rashidul Alam Mahumud1, Marufa Sultana1, Abdur Razzaque Sarker1
1Health Economics and Financing Research, Health Systems and Population Studies Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Summary
Delayed conception, advanced maternal age, and insufficient antenatal care significantly increase the risk of low birth weight (LBW) in developing nations. Addressing these factors is crucial for improving infant health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Maternal and Child Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Low birth weight (LBW) is a critical global health issue, particularly in developing countries, contributing to infant morbidity and mortality.
- Identifying the key determinants of LBW is essential for developing effective public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify significant factors influencing the prevalence of low birth weight (LBW) in infants across selected developing countries.
- To provide evidence-based insights for policy development aimed at improving maternal and child health.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of secondary data from 10 recent Demography and Health Surveys (2010-2013) from developing countries.
- Multivariate logistic regression was employed to assess associations between maternal demographic, socioeconomic, community, and individual factors and LBW.
Main Results:
- The overall prevalence of LBW was 15.9%, with significant variations across study countries (9.0% to 35.1%).
- Key risk factors identified include advanced maternal age (35-49 years), inadequate antenatal care (ANC), maternal illiteracy, delayed conception, low body mass index (BMI), and belonging to the poorest socioeconomic stratum.
Conclusions:
- Delayed conception, advanced maternal age, and insufficient ANC visits are independently associated with increased LBW prevalence.
- Implementing targeted strategies focusing on these determinants can help improve maternal health and reduce LBW rates in developing countries.
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