A Systematic Review of Maternal and Sociodemographic Risk Factors for Low Birth Weight in Developing Countries

Abstract

Low birthweight (LBW) is a global health problem, and its incidence is increasing, especially in developing countries such as Indonesia. Despite its significant impact, systematic reviews on risk factors for low birth weight are scarce, highlighting the need for further research to inform efficacy. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review of maternal and sociodemographic factors in developing countries. This study was a systematic review and used the PRISMA flow diagram to search for eligible articles using the keywords "LBW OR low birthweight" AND "risk factors OR associated factors" AND "LBW in developing countries OR low birthweight in developing countries". CEBMA’s critical appraisal was used to select eligible data. The total number of articles included in the study was 15, and the number of participants in the 15 articles was 6057. Based on the description of the primary studies, the most influence factors on the incidence of LBW in developing countries were ANC visits (aOR=172,79), nutrition counseling (aOR=4,05), iron and folic acid intake (aOR= 5,02), anemia during pregnancy (aOR= 3,54), MUAC (aOR= 5,62), maternal height (aOR=20,38), number of deliveries (aOR= 2,28), complications during pregnancy (aOR= 5,70), gestational age (aOR=14,28), and maternal age at conception (aOR= 6,42), maternal education (aOR= 4,19), region of residence (aOR= 3,12), and smoking status (aOR= 1,4). The most influential factors in the incidence of LBW in developing countries were ANC Visit (aOR = 172.79; p-value <0.001), maternal height (aOR 20.38; p-value <0.001), and gestational age (preterm birth) (aOR 14.28; p-value <0.001). Recommendations for future research are to examine risk factors for LBW more comprehensively using meta-analysis and to allow meta-analysis studies to determine the impact of all risk factors on the incidence of LBW.