Determinants of Low Birth Weight in Ghana: Analysis of the 2022 Demographic and Health Survey

Low birth weight (LBW) remains a significant public health challenge in developing countries, contributing substantially to infant mortality and morbidity.

To examine sociodemographic, maternal health, and healthcare utilization factors associated with low birth weight in Ghana.

This cross-sectional study analyzed data from 8,581 women 15-49 years from the 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (DHS). LBW was defined as birth weight < 2,500 grams. Logistic regression models were used to identify predictors of LBW. Crude and adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated.

The prevalence of LBW was 16.8%. The independent predictors of LBW included household poverty (aOR = 1.66), middle-income status (aOR = 1.49), lack of malaria prevention (aOR = 2.77), absence of skilled antenatal care (aOR = 1.71), and lack of iron supplementation (aOR = 1.31). Protective factors were maternal secondary education (aOR = 0.68), advanced maternal age (aOR = 0.74), and overweight BMI (aOR = 0.56). Significant interactions were identified between young maternal age and underweight status (aOR = 2.89). Also, there was an interaction between poverty and lack of malaria prevention (aOR = 0.42).

Low birth weight in Ghana is influenced by socioeconomic inequalities, maternal nutritional status, and healthcare access, with synergistic effects between young maternal age and undernutrition. Targeted interventions addressing poverty, maternal nutrition, and ensuring access to skilled antenatal care, iron supplementation, and malaria prevention are essential for reducing LBW prevalence.