A comparison of the demographics and health systems in 4 Asian countries regarding antenatal care services and the prevalence of low birth weight.

Aim: This study aimed to see how the availability of comprehensive antenatal care (ANC) and its content affected the incidence of low birth weight (LBW) in four ASIAN member countries (ASIAN).

Methods: The frequency of ANC visits and the seven service components were used as indicators of the comprehensiveness of coverage and substance of ANC services (blood pressure measurement, iron supplementation, tetanus toxoid immunization, explanations of pregnancy complications, urine sample test, blood sample test, and weight measurement). If more than four ANC visits and all seven components were provided, the coverage and content of the ANC services were rated as high. Using data from the four ASIAN nations in question from the Demographic Health Survey, multivariable logistic regression with complicated survey designs was performed from 2014 to 2017.

Results: Philippines (13.8%) had a greater percentage of LBW new-borns than Indonesia (6.7%), Cambodia (6.7%), or Myanmar (7.5%). A low level of comprehensive coverage and substance of ANC services was linked to a 1.30 times higher incidence of LBW than a high level (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.30; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11 to 1.52). In addition, after accounting for mothers' demographic/socioeconomic characteristics, health habits, and other factors, the risk of LBW was higher in the Philippines than in other nations (aOR, 2.25; 95% CI, 2.01 to 2.51).

Conclusion: In summary, the incidence of LBW in Indonesia, Cambodia, and Myanmar was substantially correlated with the comprehensive coverage and substance of ANC services. The Philippines had a greater risk of LBW with inadequate ANC but no statistically significant evidence for this connection.

Keywords

Female; Health surveys; Infant; Low birth weight; Pregnant women; Prenatal care

Published Date: 2023-04-24; Received Date: 2023-03-24