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

Md Zahidul Islam; Mohammad Rocky Khan Chowdhury; Manzur Kader; Baki Billah; Md Shariful Islam; Mamunur Rashid

doi:10.1186/s41043-024-00565-9

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

J Health Popul Nutr. 2024 May 13;43(1):64. doi: 10.1186/s41043-024-00565-9.

Authors

Md Zahidul Islam^#¹, Mohammad Rocky Khan Chowdhury^#^{1

2}, Manzur Kader³, Baki Billah², Md Shariful Islam¹, Mamunur Rashid⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of Public Health, First Capital University of Bangladesh, Chuadanga, Bangladesh.
² Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
³ Department of Medical Science, School of Health and Welfare, Dalarna University, Falun, Sweden.
⁴ Department of Public Health and Sports Sciences, University of Gävle, Gävle, Sweden. mamunur.rashid@hig.se.

^# Contributed equally.

Abstract

Background: The high incidence of low birth weight (LBW) is associated with an increased risk of infant mortality, adverse pregnancy outcomes for mothers, and a decline in overall health and well-being. The current study aimed to identify the various determinants of LBW and its effect on adverse health and nutritional outcomes of children aged 0-23 months in Bangladesh.

Methods: Bangladesh Demography and Health Survey (BDHS) 2017-18 data was used. A chi-square test and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used to find out the associations between independent variables and outcomes (e.g., LBW, child illness and undernutrition).

Results: The overall prevalence of LBW among was 16.3%. Mother with no formal education (AOR = 2.64, 95% CI = 0.55-3.30, p = 0.01), female child (AOR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.04-1.65, p = 0.023); and poorest economic status (AOR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.13-2.51, p = 0.010), were identified significant determinants of LBW. Of home environment and hygiene factors, unimproved toilet facilities (AOR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.03-1.84, p = 0.030) had a significant effect on LBW. In addition, children born with LBW were more likely to suffer fever (AOR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.05-1.60, p = 0.050), stunting (AOR = 2.42, 95% CI = 1.86-3.15, p = < 0.001), wasting (AOR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.02-2.25 p = 0.049), and underweight (AOR = 3.19, 95% CI = 2.40-4.23, p = < 0.001).

Conclusion: One out of five children was LBW in Bangladesh. Maternal education, sex of child, wealth index, and toilet facilities had significant effects on LBW. In addition, LWB contributed to children's poor health and nutritional outcomes. Enhancing maternal pregnancy, and child health outcomes necessitates policies addressing poverty, gender inequality, and social disparities. Key strategies include promoting regular prenatal care, early medical intervention, reproductive health education, and safe hygiene practices. To combat the negative impacts of LBW, a comprehensive strategy is vital, encompassing exclusive breastfeeding, nutritional support, growth monitoring, accessible healthcare, and caregiver education.

Keywords: Bangladesh; Child health; Environmental factors; Low birth weight; Undernutrition.

MeSH terms

Adolescent
Adult
Bangladesh / epidemiology
Child Health* / statistics & numerical data
Cross-Sectional Studies
Female
Health Surveys
Humans
Infant
Infant, Low Birth Weight*
Infant, Newborn
Male
Nutritional Status
Pregnancy
Prevalence
Risk Factors
Socioeconomic Factors
Young Adult