Factors associated with the incidence of low birth weight in Pontianak City, Indonesia

INTRODUCTION: The weight of an infant at the time of birth is an indicator of its health. Infants with low birth weight (LBW) are at a higher risk of neonatal mortality and morbidity as well as stunted growth. Low birth weight (LBW) remains a public health concern in developing countries, such as Indonesia. In fact, the neonatal mortalities and morbidities that occur as a consequence of LBW can be prevented by addressing the relevant risk factors. It is believed that by identifying these risk factors, prevention and management efforts can be efficiently and effectively implemented to reduce incidences of LBW (LBWIs). As such, the present study determined the factors affecting LBWIs in a rural setting in Pontianak City, Indonesia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective unmatched case-control study. The required data was obtained from the medical records maintained by the University Tanjungpura Hospital, Pontianak City, Indonesia. Simple random sampling was used to select and equally divide the 60 chosen respondents into LBW case and normal birth weight control groups.

RESULTS: Mothers with low educational levels had a 1.5 times greater chance of giving birth to LBW babies. The results of the multivariate analysis also revealed a correlation between gestational age (GA), incidence of premature rupture of membranes (PROM), and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and that their combined effects that contributed to 56% of LBWIs.

CONCLUSION: Low maternal education level, low gestational age, IUGR, and premature rupture of membranes contribute to LBW babies. This study recommends that it is necessary to educate women of childbearing age about routine antenatal care checks to identify risk factors that can lead to LBW.