Maternal and Pregnancy-Related Factors Associated with Low Birth Weight in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Scoping Review
Faktor Risiko Maternal Terhadap BBLR di Negara Berkembang: Scoping Review
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Background: Low birth weight (LBW) continues to be a significant public health problem worldwide, contributing substantially to neonatal morbidity and mortality. Approx 96% of LBW cases are seen in developing countries. Objective: The present review aims to explore and categorize maternal risk factors for LBW in low- and middle-income countries. Methods: A scoping review was performed following the PRISMA-ScR framework. Literature searches were conducted in four databases: PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar for studies published from 2021 to 2025. Results: A total of 500 records were identified and 16 articles were included after screening and assessment of eligibility. The methodological quality of eligible studies was assessed by JBI Critical Appraisal Tools. Results: The included studies were 16 articles, of which 75% were from Asia and 25% were from Africa. Thematic analysis identified 8 categories of maternal and pregnancy-related factors associated with LBW: maternal nutritional status and anthropometric characteristics, maternal age, obstetric history, pregnancy complications, sociodemographic factors, adequacy of antenatal care, preterm birth and multiple gestations, lifestyle and environmental factors. Pre-eclampsia, low gestational weight gain, maternal anemia and poor antenatal care were consistently reported to be associated with LBW . Study design, population, exposure definition and statistical adjustment differences contributed to variation in effect estimates. Conclusion: Maternal and pregnancy factors especially pre-eclampsia, poor maternal nutritional status, anemia, poor antenatal care and pregnancy complications have significant roles in occurrence of LBW. Holistic strategies that promote nutritional optimization, early detection and management of pregnancy complications, and improve quality of ANC are essential to reduce the burden of LBW in LMICs.
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