Factors associated with Low birth weight in Cambodia: A secondary analysis of Cambodia Demographic and Health Survey, 2021-2022

Low birth weight (LBW) is a serious global health concern, including in Cambodia. It is associated with a higher risk of neonatal, infant, and under-five mortality and morbidity. We examined the prevalence of LBW across provinces and factors associated with LBW among newborns in Cambodia. We analyzed the most recent childrens data from the Cambodia Demographic and Health Survey (CDHS) 2021-2022. There were 4,565 weighted newborns included in this study. The provincial variation in the prevalence of LBW was done using ArcGIS. Multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess factors independently associated with LBW. The prevalence of LBW was 5.9% (95% CI: 5.2-6.8), which was highest in Ratanak Kiri (13.9%), Kratie (12.8%), Pailin (12.7%), and Svay Rieng (10.2%). Factors were independently associated with LBW, including mothers with primary education (AOR = 1.82; 95% CI: 1.09-3.04), unemployed (AOR = 1.62; 95% CI: 1.03-2.55), being a first-born child (AOR = 1.74; 95% CI: 1.24-2.45), born to mothers in rural areas (AOR = 1.42; 95% CI: 1.00-2.01). However, mothers who attended at least 4 ANC visits had lower odds of LBW (AOR = 0.65; 95% CI: 0.47-0.91). The prevalence of LBW among newborns in Cambodia is lower than in Southsea Asia and worldwide. However, provincial variations in the prevalence of LBW were high in remote areas. Public Health programs should target provinces where LBW prevalence remains high. Cambodia policy continues to recommend four or more ANC visits to pregnant women, particularly those who have limited education and live in rural areas.