Low Birth Weight and Associated Factors in Sudan: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Low birth weight (LBW) is one of the most significant health issues worldwide, especially in countries with fewer resources. No systematic reviews or meta-analyses on LBW have been conducted in Sudan, the third largest African country.

A systematic review and a meta-analysis were conducted to assess the pooled prevalence of LBW in Sudan and the associated factors. PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect were searched for studies on LBW in Sudan. The meta-analysis was performed by calculating the pooled prevalence of LBW. The meta package in R was used for statistical analysis.

The final sample comprised 10 studies, with 10,043 neonates enrolled. The overall pooled prevalence of LBW was 13.0% (95% CI [13.0, 14.0]; I² = 47.0%, p = 0.05), without significant heterogeneity. Primiparity (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.4, 95% CI [1.1, 2.1]), a short interpregnancy interval, lack of iron-folic acid supplementation (AOR = 3.33, CI [1.47, 5.88]), a low level of antenatal/perinatal care (AOR = 2.10, 95% CI [1.30, 3.57]), maternal undernutrition (AOR = 1.66, 95% CI [1.09, 2.53]), and decreasing gestational age of pregnancy (AOR = 0.80, 95% CI [0.66, 0.96]) were associated with LBW in different studies. In three studies, anemia was associated with LBW.

This review reveals a high prevalence of LBW in Sudan. The factors identified in this review may help health planners and policymakers design and implement preventive interventions for LBW.