Determinants of Low Birth Weight in Cilacap District

Abstract

This is a cross-sectional study that examines the determinants of low birth weight in Sri Lanka. The study models maternal, socio- economic and environmental effects on low birth weight using the Demographic and Health Survey conducted by the Department of Census and Statistics in 2016. A logit regression model technique is engaged in the analysis and the interpretation of the results. Findings suggest mother’s age at giving birth, wealth quintile, geographical location, ethnicity, mother’s education, gestational age at birth, birth order, new-born’s sex, mother’s height and body mass index, multiple delivery, type of delivery and the number of antenatal care visits to be statistically significant variables that determine the birth weight of the child. Keywords—