Constructing Sustainable Maternal and Child Health Strategies: Analyzing Factors Associated with Low-Birth-Weight Incidence in Indonesia

Dublin Core

Title

Constructing Sustainable Maternal and Child Health Strategies: Analyzing Factors Associated with Low-Birth-Weight Incidence in Indonesia

Subject

Antenatal care; Indonesia; low
birth weight; maternal anemia;
maternal and child health

Description

Background: Maternal and child health (MCH) is crucial for public health,
especially in low- and middle-income countries like Indonesia. Despite
improvements in healthcare infrastructure, challenges remain in reducing maternal
and neonatal mortality rates, with low birth weight (LBW) posing a significant
concern. Previous research has largely examined individual factors, such as
maternal age, parity, or nutritional status, in isolation. To date, there has been no
comprehensive analysis integrating the various determinants of LBW within the
Indonesian context.
Purpose: This study aimed to comprehensively analyze factors associated with
LBW incidence in Indonesia to inform sustainable MCH strategies.
Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used to analyze data from 420
newborns and their mothers. A structured questionnaire and medical record reviews
were used to collect data on maternal characteristics, antenatal care attendance,
birth outcomes, and infant characteristics. Data were obtained from maternal and
child health reports collected by primary health centers and hospitals under the
Ministry of Health between 2021 and 2023. Statistical analyses, including bivariate
Chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression, were conducted to identify
factors associated with LBW incidence.
Results: The prevalence of LBW among newborns was 34.3%. Significant
associations were found between LBW and maternal anemia (OR = 1.53; 95% CI =
1.16–2.03), irregular antenatal care attendance (OR 11.9; 95% CI 8.17–17.32),
multiparity (OR = 0.61; 95% CI = 0.43–0.88), and preterm birth (OR = 11.22; 95%
CI = 7.55–16.68). Primiparous mothers and full-term infants were less likely to
experience LBW. Among the associated factors, irregular antenatal care visits and
preterm birth emerged as the most dominant risk factors. No significant
associations were observed with maternal complications, chronic diseases, infant
gender, mode of delivery, or maternal age.
Conclusion: Targeted interventions addressing maternal anemia, improving
access to and adherence with antenatal care, and preventing preterm births are
critical strategies for reducing LBW in Indonesia. The findings in this study
underscore the need to improve maternal nutrition and encourage pregnant women
to attend regular antenatal care visits.

Creator

Gita Nirmala Sari1

, Dewi Nirmala Sari1

, Yudhia Fratidhina1

, Sri Mulyati1

Source

https://doi.org/10.14710/nmjn.v15i2.63181

Date

9 August 2025

Contributor

peri irawan

Format

pdf

Language

english

Type

text

Files

Collection

Citation

Gita Nirmala Sari1 , Dewi Nirmala Sari1 , Yudhia Fratidhina1 , Sri Mulyati1, “Constructing Sustainable Maternal and Child Health Strategies: Analyzing Factors Associated with Low-Birth-Weight Incidence in Indonesia,” Repository Horizon University Indonesia, accessed February 21, 2026, https://repository.horizon.ac.id/items/show/11328.