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

Abstract

Child with Low Birth Weight (LBW) has a higher risk of infant mortality, learning difficulties in childhood due to stunted growth and impaired neurodevelopment, is more likely to develop heart diseases and diabetes in adulthood. This study aimed to evaluate the latest demographic and health surveys (DHSs) across multiple countries in South Asia to determine the factors associated with LBW among these countries. Latest available DHS data across Afghanistan (2015, n = 29,461), Bangladesh (2018, n = 20,127), Nepal (2016, n = 12,862), and Pakistan (2018, n = 15,068) were analysed. Complex survey adjusted generalized linear models were fitted to investigate the association of birth weight with sociodemographic and decision-making factors. Pakistan had the highest proportion of LBW at 18% followed by Afghanistan and Bangladesh at around 14% and Nepal had the lowest (13%). Children born in Pakistan were more likely to have LBW children than Afghanistan (AOR = 2.17, 95% CI = 1.49–3.14). Mothers living in rural areas (AOR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.61–0.97), with highly educated partners and belonging to richer families were less susceptible to having child with LBW. To reduce 30% LBW in-line with the World Health Organisation’s 2025 goal, policymakers in SA should focus on women in urban areas with low-educated partners belonging to poor households to ease LBW burden.

Pengaruh Pola Asuh dan Karakteristik Ibu terhadap Stunting di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Pintu Padang Kabupaten Tapanuli Selatan

“…Penelitian telah menunjukkan bahwa kondisi ekonomi keluarga dapat memiliki dampak yang signifikan terhadap akses terhadap nutrisi yang memadai, perawatan kesehatan, dan lingkungan yang mendukung pertumbuhan dan perkembangan anak (34).Keluarga dengan pendapatan rendah sering kali menghadapi keterbatasan dalam memenuhi kebutuhan gizi yang memadai, akses terhadap pangan bergizi, layanan kesehatan, serta lingkungan yang bersih dan sehat. Ketidakmampuan untuk memenuhi kebutuhan ini dapat menyebabkan anak-anak rentan terhadap stunting dan masalah gizi lainnya (35,36).…”

Determinants of low birth weight and its effect on childhood health and nutritional outcomes in Bangladesh

“…Low birth weight (LBW) of children poses a serious public health problem in low- and middle-income countries [ 1 ]. Early childhood is a critical window for children’s physical and mental development and LBW contributes as a leading cause of illness and death among children during this period [ 2 ].…”

Risk Factors Associated With Low-Birth-Weight Babies in Tertiary Health Care Facilities in Lahore, Pakistan: A Case-Control Study

“…The birth weight of a newborn is a major public health problem, which affects an estimated 20 million babies born annually and is more common in low-middle-income countries (LMICs) [ 2 ]. Of these, 28% are born in South Africa, 13% in Sub-Saharan Africa, and 9% in Latin America [ 2 ].…”

“…The birth weight of a newborn is a major public health problem, which affects an estimated 20 million babies born annually and is more common in low-middle-income countries (LMICs) [ 2 ]. Of these, 28% are born in South Africa, 13% in Sub-Saharan Africa, and 9% in Latin America [ 2 ]. A recent study by Sathi et al showed that, in comparison to other LMICs in South Asia, the prevalence of LBW recorded in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan was 15.13%, 14.93%, 11.73%, and 19.18%, respectively [ 3 ].…”