The Risk Factors of Low Birth Weight in Primary Health Care Centres: A Comparative Study in Selected Rural and Urban Settings in a Southwestern State of Nigeria

Abstract

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines low birth weight (LBW) as less than 2500g at birth, a critical predictor of infant morbidity and mortality. LBW prevalence is notably higher in developing countries (15%) compared to developed ones (7%), affecting 5–6 million children annually in Nigeria. This study aimed to identify and compare LBW risk factors in rural and urban areas of Ondo State, Nigeria, and to describe the socio-demographic and pregnancy characteristics of affected mothers. Conducted from January 2021 to August 2022, the case-control study analyzed live birth records from selected primary health centers. Factors such as socio-demographics, anthropometrics, nutrition, maternal morbidity, and antenatal care were considered. Logistic regression models, both bivariate and multivariate, were used to analyze the data. The study found a LBW incidence of 10.2%, with 9.7% in rural and 11% in urban areas. BMI, maternal age, occupation, and marital status were not correlated with LBW. In urban areas, lower parity and frequent medication use during pregnancy were linked to lower LBW risk, while ANC visits significantly impacted LBW incidence (p < 0.05). Overall, ANC visits, iron supplement use, and parity were significant LBW risk factors, particularly in urban settings, whereas socio-demographic factors showed no substantial association.