Correlates of low birth weight and preterm birth in India

Abstract

Background In the 21st century, India is still struggling to reduce the burden of malnutrition and child mortality, which is much higher than the neighbouring countries such as Nepal and Shri Lanka. Preterm birth (PTB) and low birth weight (LBW) predispose early-age growth faltering and premature mortality among children below the age of five. Thus, highlighting the determinants of LBW and PTB is necessary to achieve sustainable development goals. Objective The present study provides macro-level estimates of PTB and LBW and aims to highlight the nature of the association between various demographic, socioeconomic, and maternal obstetric variables with these outcomes using a nationally representative dataset. Methods Data on 170,253 most recent births from the National Family health survey (NFHS-5) 2019–21 was used for the analysis. The estimates of PTB and LBW are measured by applying sample weights. The correlates of LBW and PTB were analyzed using logistic models. Results There were cross-state disparities in the prevalence of PTB and LBW. In India, an estimated 12% and 18% of children were LBW and PTB, respectively, in 2019–21. Maternal obstetric and anthropometric factors such as lack of antenatal care, previous caesarean delivery, and short-stature mothers were associated positively with adverse birth outcomes such as LBW and PTB. However, a few correlates were found to be differently associated with PTB and LBW. Mothers belonging to richer wealth status had higher chances of having a preterm birth (OR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.11–1.20) in comparison to poor mothers. In contrast, the odds of having LBW infants were found to be increased with the decreasing level of the mother’s education and wealth quintile. Conclusions In India, PTB and LBW can be improved by strengthening existing ante-natal care services and evaluating the effects of the history of caesarean births on future pregnancies.

Effect of Treating Periodontal Disease in Pregnant Women to Reduce the Risk of Preterm Birth and Low Birth Weight: An Umbrella Review

“…Similarly, the rate of LBW babies has also not shown variations over the last decade, with this stagnation being attributed mainly to the lack of comprehensive prenatal care for pregnant women [ 91 ]. WHO recommends expanding prenatal care to improve the health of both mothers and newborns, through five key interventions: nutritional interventions; physical health checks; maternal and fetal assessments; preventive measures; and health system interventions, including oral health care [ 92 ]. Periodontal disease in pregnancy should be considered an important risk factor for premature births; its control should be before and during pregnancy as long as it is preventable and treatable to reduce premature neonates [ 43 ].…”

An Epidemiological Survey on the Assessment of Risk Factors during Pregnancy

“…According to Jana A. [35] "there were cross-state disparities in the prevalence of PTB and LBW. In India, an estimated 12% and 18% of children were LBW and PTB, respectively, in 2019-21.…”

Efficacy of Transdermal Nitroglycerin Patch for the Arrest of Preterm Labor: A Retrospective Study

“…Accounting for a substantial portion of perinatal mortality and morbidity, estimated at 75-80%, preterm birth underscores the imperative for obstetricians to accurately predict and effectively prevent premature labor. In India, the incidence of preterm birth ranges from 10% to 12%, mirroring the global prevalence of 11%, highlighting the widespread impact of this issue on maternal and child health [3,4].…”