Prevalence and risk factors for low birth weight in Jordan and its association with under-five mortality: a
M Mazharul Islam1, Faisal Ababneh1,2, Tahmina Akter3
1Department of Statistics, College of Science, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman.
Insights
Low birth weight affects 13.8% of infants in Jordan, increasing under-5 mortality risk by 4.8 times. Identifying and addressing risk factors like maternal age and smoking is crucial for public health strategies.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
- Maternal Health
Background:
- Low birth weight (LBW) is a critical indicator of infant health and long-term development.
- LBW is defined as a birth weight below 2.5 kg.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of LBW in Jordan.
- To identify risk factors associated with LBW in the Jordanian population.
- To investigate the association between LBW and under-5 mortality.
Main Methods:
- Secondary analysis of the 2012 Jordan Population and Family Health Survey data.
- Included 9734 live births from the preceding 5 years with reported birth weights.
- Multivariable regression analysis was employed to identify significant risk factors and mortality associations.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of LBW was 13.8%, with 1.3% being very low birth weight.
- Significant risk factors included maternal age (<30 and ≥35 years), lower education, short birth intervals, unplanned pregnancies, socioeconomic status, consanguinity, region, female sex, birth order, twin births, and maternal smoking.
- Children with LBW had a 4.8 times higher risk of mortality before age 5 compared to normal birth weight infants.
Conclusions:
- The high and increasing prevalence of LBW in Jordan presents a significant public health challenge.
- Prioritizing the prevention of LBW and improving survival rates for affected neonates is essential for national health strategies.
- Targeted interventions for identified high-risk groups are necessary to mitigate the impact of LBW.
Background:
Low birth weight (< 2.5 kg) is an important indicator of health and development of infants throughout their life.
Aims:
This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors for low birth weight in Jordan and its association with under-5 mortality.
Methods:
In this secondary analysis, data were extracted from the 2012 Jordan Population and Family Health Survey for 9734 live births born in the 5 years preceding the survey and for which birth weight was reported. Data were collected on child and maternal characteristics. Multivariable regression analysis was used to determine the significant risk factors for low birth weight and mortality.
Results:
Of the 9734 births analysed, 13.8% were low birth weight and 1.3% were very low birth weight. Mother's age (< 30 and ≥ 35 years), education (less than higher education), birth interval (< 24 months and first birth), unplanned pregnancy, household wealth status (poorest and richest), consanguinity, residence (central and south regions of Jordan), female sex, birth order (1 and ≥ 6), twin birth and maternal smoking during pregnancy were significant risk factors for low birth weight. The risk of death under 5 years of age was 4.8 times higher in children with low birth weight than children with normal birth weight.
Conclusions:
The high rate of low birth weight and its increasing rate in Jordan is a challenge for public health. Preventing low birth weight neonates and increasing their survival need to be prioritized in the national health strategy. Special care needs to be taken for the high-risk groups identified in this study.
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