Yulia Nur Khayati, Tandiyo Rahayu, Oktia Woro Kasmini Handayani, Evi Widowati, Dina Nur Anggraini Ningrum

Maternal Characteristics, Malnutrition, and Pregnancy Complications with the Incidence of Low Birth Weight in an Industrial Environment

Introduction

Maternal characteristics, malnutrition, and pregnancy complications with the incidence of low birth weight in an industrial environment. Investigate maternal characteristics, malnutrition, and pregnancy complications linked to low birth weight (LBW) in Indonesian industrial environments. Preeclampsia is a key factor.

Abstract

Low Birth Weight is one of the leading causes of under-five deaths during the neonatal period. In Indonesia, the infant mortality rate is in the top 7 in the world. The industrial environment, where air pollution is high, is one of the factors causing LBW. The study aimed to identify the factors that influence the incidence of LBW in an industrial environment. Using data from a cohort of pregnant women in 2023, the study used a nested case-control design at Bergas Community Health Centre. The study population included all mothers who delivered live infants in 2023, totalling 832 respondents. Data from the study were analysed using Chi-Square for bivariate analysis and logistic regression for multivariate analysis. The results showed a relationship between maternal age, parity, maternal nutritional status, hypertension, preeclampsia, and anaemia with the occurrence of LBW with p < 0.0001. The multivariate analysis indicated a significant relationship between maternal age (OR 3.233, 95% CI 1.557 – 6.714), parity (OR 2.567, 95% CI 1.382 – 4.767), maternal nutritional status (OR 7.905, 95% CI 3.472 – 17.998), preeclampsia (OR 28.090, 95% CI 9.894 – 84.468), and maternal hemoglobin levels (OR 10.883, 95% CI 5.736 – 20.649) with the incidence of LBW. The most influential factor in LBW is the occurrence of preeclampsia in mothers.

Review

The study addresses a critical public health issue by investigating the factors contributing to Low Birth Weight (LBW) in Indonesia, a country facing a high infant mortality rate, particularly in industrial settings. The authors aim to identify key determinants of LBW, specifically within an industrial environment, building upon the premise that such settings, often associated with high air pollution, contribute to adverse birth outcomes. Utilizing a nested case-control design drawing from a 2023 cohort of pregnant women at the Bergas Community Health Centre, this research attempts to shed light on the complex interplay of maternal characteristics, nutritional status, and pregnancy complications influencing LBW incidence. Methodologically, the study employs appropriate statistical techniques, including Chi-Square for bivariate analysis and logistic regression for multivariate analysis, on a substantial sample of 832 mothers. The findings reveal compelling associations between several maternal factors and LBW. Bivariate analysis identified significant relationships with maternal age, parity, nutritional status, hypertension, preeclampsia, and anaemia. Further multivariate analysis refined these associations, highlighting maternal age (OR 3.233), parity (OR 2.567), maternal nutritional status (OR 7.905), preeclampsia (OR 28.090), and maternal hemoglobin levels (OR 10.883) as significant independent predictors. Notably, preeclampsia emerged as the most influential factor, indicating its profound impact on LBW incidence within this population. The study's strengths lie in its specific focus on a high-risk population in Indonesia, a robust sample size, and the use of a nested case-control design, allowing for effective identification of risk factors. The detailed multivariate analysis provides valuable insights into the independent contributions of various maternal factors. However, a significant limitation arises from the disconnect between the study's stated objective and its execution: despite the title and problem statement emphasizing the "industrial environment" and "air pollution," the abstract presents no results or analysis pertaining to environmental factors. This omission leaves a critical aspect of the research unaddressed and limits the study's ability to fulfill its stated aim regarding the *environmental* influence. Nevertheless, the findings regarding maternal characteristics, nutritional status, and pregnancy complications—especially preeclampsia—offer clear, actionable insights for targeted maternal healthcare interventions and public health strategies to reduce LBW in similar settings. Future research should integrate direct measures of environmental exposure to fully address the complex etiology of LBW in industrial areas.

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