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

Author

Listed:
  • Ngan Ngo

    (Department of Health Science and Biostatistics, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC 3150, Australia)

  • Jahar Bhowmik

    (Department of Health Science and Biostatistics, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC 3150, Australia)

  • Raaj Kishore Biswas

    (Charles Perkins Centre, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Ngan Ngo & Jahar Bhowmik & Raaj Kishore Biswas, 2022. "Factors Associated with Low Birthweight in Low-and-Middle Income Countries in South Asia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(21), pages 1-9, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:21:p:14139-:d:957247
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mahrt, Kristi & Mather, David & Herforth, Anna & Headey, Derek D., 2019. "Household dietary patterns and the cost of a nutritious diet in Myanmar:," IFPRI discussion papers 1854, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    2. Janak Kumar Thapa & Doris Stöckl & Raj Kumar Sangroula & Asha Pun & Meena Thapa & Mahesh Kumar Maskey & Maria Delius, 2021. "Investment case approach for equitable access to maternal neonatal and child health services: Stakeholders’ perspective in Nepal," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 16(10), pages 1-16, October.
    3. Ghouse, Ghulam & Zaid, Muhammad, 2016. "Determinants of Low Birth Weight a Cross Sectional Study: In Case of Pakistan," MPRA Paper 70660, University Library of Munich, Germany.
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