Socio-economic determinants of low birth weight in Kenya: Logistic regression analysis

Abstract

Babies born with Low-birth weight are at increased risk for serious health problems which are accompanied by disabilities and even death. Hence this study aims to determine socioeconomic factors that lead to low birth weight of children in Kenya. Data used was from Kdhs 2003 and the significant effect of socio-economic determinants on low birth weight was examined using logistic regression analysis data is categorical and continuous in nature, where predictor variables being socio-economic determinants and birth weight being dependent variable. Results indicate that out of ten socio-economic factors involved in the study, six revealed some significant effects on the children with low birth weight, four determinants namely , sex of the child, antenatal visit for pregnancy, antenatal care attendance and time wanted pregnancy has no significant impact to the infant birth weight holding other factors constant. The six major socio-economic determinants which can alter the weight at birth for babies born in Kenya were Religion, Educational attainment, Age of household head, Smokes nothing, Current marital status, and Size of child at birth. Therefore Socio-economic determinants have a significant effect on Low birth weight which suggests a strong negative associated with infant survival in Kenya independent of other risk factors. Children can be ensured a healthy start in life if women start pregnancy healthy and well nourished, and go through pregnancy and childbirth safely. Also expectant mothers should keenly focus on the socio-economic determinants by avoiding some like smoking, acquire education so that they can understand how to take care of themselves and not always to depend on the doctor's advice, give enough time and prepare for the pregnancy