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Factors Associated with Low Birthweight in Low-and-Middle Income Countries in South Asia

Ngan Ngo1, Jahar Bhowmik1, Raaj Kishore Biswas2

  • 1Department of Health Science and Biostatistics, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC 3150, Australia.

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
|November 11, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Low birth weight (LBW) poses significant health risks. This study identified key sociodemographic factors associated with LBW in South Asia, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to reduce its prevalence.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Maternal and Child Health
  • Demographic Studies

Background:

  • Low birth weight (LBW) is a critical determinant of infant mortality and long-term health issues, including developmental delays and chronic diseases.
  • Addressing LBW is crucial for achieving global health targets, such as the World Health Organization's 2025 goal.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the latest Demographic and Health Surveys (DHSs) from South Asian countries to identify factors associated with LBW.
  • To provide evidence-based recommendations for policymakers to reduce LBW prevalence.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized complex survey-adjusted generalized linear models to analyze DHS data from Afghanistan (2015), Bangladesh (2018), Nepal (2016), and Pakistan (2018).
  • Investigated associations between birth weight and sociodemographic characteristics, including partner education and household wealth.

Main Results:

  • Pakistan exhibited the highest LBW rate (18%), followed by Afghanistan and Bangladesh (approx. 14%), and Nepal (13%).
  • Children in Pakistan had a significantly higher likelihood of LBW compared to Afghanistan (AOR = 2.17).
  • Maternal factors such as living in rural areas, having partners with higher education, and belonging to richer households were associated with a lower risk of LBW.

Conclusions:

  • Targeted interventions focusing on urban women with less educated partners and from poorer households are essential to reduce the LBW burden in South Asia.
  • Policy efforts should prioritize vulnerable populations to meet the WHO's goal of reducing LBW by 30%.

Keywords:
South Asiacomplex surveylow birth weightlow-and-middle incomemultivariate binary logistic regression

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