Prevalence and Predictors of Low Birth Weight in a Rural Guatemalan Community

Area of Science:

• Maternal and Child Health
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Investigating the prevalence and risk factors of low birth weight (LBW) in infants born to participants in a maternal care program in Guatemala.
• Assessing the impact of sociodemographic, obstetric, and intrapartum factors on LBW.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of LBW in a convenience sample of women in a home visitation program.
• To identify significant risk factors associated with LBW in this population.

Main Methods:

• Observational study utilizing a quality improvement database.
• Analysis of self-reported data from October 2018 to December 2019.
• Bivariate and multivariable analyses comparing LBW (<2500g) and adequate birthweight (≥2500g) groups.

Main Results:

• The prevalence of LBW was 13.8%, exceeding Guatemala's average.
• Infants with LBW were more likely to be born to younger mothers (median age 20.8 vs 23.2 years).
• Mothers of LBW infants had fewer prenatal visits (33.3% vs 19.3% had <4 visits).

Conclusions:

• Younger maternal age and inadequate prenatal care (<4 visits) are significant risk factors for LBW.
• Findings align with existing literature on LBW in Latin America.
• Supports programming for improved prenatal care access and youth reproductive health education.