Quantitative Data Analysis of Multiple Factors Associated with Low Birth Weight in Bibb County, Georgia

Abstract

Objective This study aims to identify and evaluate significant risk factors associated with low birth weight in Bibb County, Georgia. Methods Data used in this study was obtained from the Georgia Department of Human Resources’ Vital Records Offices. The sample consists of 2,346 white and black or African American women giving birth in Bibb County, Georgia in 2005. Logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors associated with low birthweight in Bibb County, Georgia. The multiple factors analyzed as independent variables included maternal race, maternal education, maternal age group, socioeconomic status, marital status, maternal tobacco use during pregnancy, maternal alcohol use during pregnancy, trimester mother began prenatal care and number of prenatal care visits mother received. The dependent variable analyzed was whether the infant was born low birth weight. Results Logistic regression analysis showed that the most significant risk factor associated with low birth weight in 2005 was receiving less than six prenatal care visits (odds ratio [OR] = 3.6; 95% CI = 2.5, 5.3). Maternal education of 12th grade of less (OR = 1.7; 95% CI = 1.2, 2.3), maternal race of black or African American (OR = 2.0; 95% CI = 1.5, 2.6), and use of tobacco during pregnancy (OR = 1.7; 95% CI = 1.2, 2.4) were also significant factors for low birth weight. Conclusions Based on the observations of the present study, it is recommended that intervention programs and communication tools should focus on those significant risk factors associated with low birth weight and target at-risk pregnant women; hence, reducing the incidence of infants born low birth weight in Bibb County, Georgia.