Abstract
Introduction
Low birth weight (LBW) is a leading risk factor for infant mortality and morbidity and is a major public health concern globally, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Hepatitis B virus infection is also an important cause of LBW. In the past, there has been no in-depth study conducted regarding LBW among neonates born from HBV-infected mothers in Cambodia. Therefore, this study aims to measure the prevalence and examine the risk factors associated with LBW among newborns of HBV-infected pregnant women in Cambodia.
Methods
Secondary data analysis was performed using data from the ANRS 12345-TA PROHM study between 2017-2020. A total of 1038 pregnant women positive with HBsAg were included in this study. Data analysis was performed by using STATA software version 17.0. Descriptive, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to describe sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and to identify factors associated with LBW.
Results
The findings indicated that the prevalence of LBW among hepatitis B-infected pregnant women in Cambodia was 7.3%. Factors independently associated with LBW included mothers from Jayavarman VII Hospital in Siem Reap with AOR=2.6 (95% CI: 1.4 - 4.7), mothers’ treatment with traditional medicine during pregnancy (AOR=10.1, 95% CI: 2.3 - 43.8), maternal height ≤ 145 cm (AOR=7.5, 95% CI: 2.6 - 21.2), maternal gestational age ≤ 36 weeks at delivery (AOR=23.5, 95% CI: 12.0 - 45.9) and cesarean delivery (AOR=1.9, 95% CI: 1.0 - 3.6). Additionally, first-born children (AOR=6.5, 95% CI: 1.1–37.3) and twin infants were at greater risk of LBW (AOR=10.2, 95% CI: 2.3–44.6).
Conclusion
The study found the overall prevalence of LBW about 7.0% among infants born from HBV-infected pregnant women in Cambodia, but it varied significantly across the study regions. The main predictors of LBW babies include study sites, the maternal height, gestational age at delivery, cesarean delivery, first-born infants, and twin birth; however, the interesting one is the concerns of the mothers consuming traditional medicine during pregnancy. Therefore, we suggested a need for further research to better understand the chemical substances in traditional medicine and their impact on pregnancy. The findings provide valuable insights into the risk factors that influence LBW in infants, with implications for clinical practice. Preventing LBW could improve newborn health and contribute to achieving the WHO 's target of reducing LBW and lowering neonatal mortality.