Role of antenatal care and iron supplementation during pregnancy in preventing low birth weight in Nepal: comparison of national surveys 2006 and 2011

Abstract

BackgroundLow birth weight (LBW) is a major cause of neonatal deaths in developing countries including Nepal. Its social determinants in Nepal have rarely been identified. This study aimed to identify the factors associated with low birth weight among under-five children comparing data from the Nepal Demographic and Health Surveys (NDHS) of 2006 and 2011.MethodsPooled data from the Nepal Demographic and Health Surveys (NDHS) of 2006 and 2011 were analysed initially and the two survey data were then compared separately. The association between LBW and socio-demographic and health related factors were analysed using multiple logistic regression analysis with a stepwise backward elimination procedure. Complex Sample Analysis method was used to account for study design and sampling.ResultsA total of 2845 children, 923 children in 2006 and 1922 children in 2011, had their birth weight recorded. The mean birth weight was 3024 (SD = 654.5) grams. A total of 12.1% (95% Confidence interval (CI); 10.6%-13.7%) children had low birth weight (<2500 grams) at the time of birth. Attending antenatal care was found to be consistently associated with low birth weight for the pooled survey data, and both 2006 and 2011 survey data, respectively. Not attending antenatal care increased the odds of having a LBW infant by more than two times [OR 2.301; 95% CI (1.526-3.471)]. Iron supplementation, which is an integral part of antenatal care in Nepal, was also significantly associated with birth weight for combined and individual surveys. Mothers not consuming iron supplementation during their pregnancy were more likely to have LBW infants [OR 1.839; 95% CI (1.282-2.363)]. Residing in the Far-western and Eastern region were also significant risk factors for LBW in the pooled dataset and in 2011 survey.ConclusionsThe current study indicated there was no significant decrease in the LBW prevalence and there is a need of targeted interventions aimed at decreasing the high rate of LBW through increasing antenatal care and consumption of iron supplementation during pregnancy.

The correlation between the quality of anc services and the incident of lbw In the public health center of Wates in Kulon Progo Regency

“…International Journal of Health Science and Technology, 1 (1) 2019 Fitri Handayani, Herlin Fitriani K also in accordance with the results of research conducted by Vishnu Khana, et. al (2014).…”

Determinants of low birth weight in neonates born in three hospitals in Brong Ahafo Region, Ghana, 2016: an unmatched case-control study

“…Mothers who had late (third trimester) initiation of ANC had significantly increased odds of delivering a LBW baby. A study in Nepal has also found a two fold increase in the odds for LBW in women who initiated ANC late or did not attend ANC during their pregnancy (Khanal et al, 2014). In Kenya and Malawi initiation of ANC was noticed in the sixth and seventh months respectively (Pell et al, 2013).…”

“…Also the compulsory nature of follow-up appointments discourage attendance (Pell et al, 2013). A study in Nepal to find the factors of LBW noted that, mothers who do not attend antenatal care, have an increased odds of having a LBW infant by more than two times (OR 2.3) (Khanal, Zhao, & Sauer, 2014).…”

The Effects on Inappropriate Weight for Gestational Age of an SMS Based Educational Intervention for Pregnant Women in Xi’an China: A Quasi-Randomized Controlled Trial

“…There is also a recent trend in findings suggesting that regular low to moderate exercise reduces the risk of delivering the newborns with either very low or very high birth weight [23], though this potential benefit was not detected in Wiebe et al's 2015 meta-analysis of 79 studies. In terms of maternal nutritional supplementation, evidence suggesting a possible impact on low birth weight was limited for antenatal iron supplementation and mixed for multi-micronutrient supplementation [24][25][26]. Moreover, messages of advice on other topics may potentially have played a role, such as advice on growth monitoring, anxiety reduction, or others.…”

“…Basic Group (25) Fetal development (19) Reminders for prenatal visit and hospital delivery (6) Care-Seeking (CS) Group (82) Fetal development (19) Reminders for prenatal visit and hospital delivery (8) Warnings & Recognition of danger signs (45) Reminders for government-subsidized projects (10) Good Household Prenatal Practices (GHPP) Group (91) Fetal development (19) Reminders for prenatal visit and hospital delivery (6) Healthy lifestyle (Nutrition, physical activity, etc.) (37)…”