Examining the combined effect of antenatal care visits and iron-folic acid supplementation on low birth weight: a pooled analysis of two national data sets from Nepal.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The prevalence of low birth weight (LBW) has stagnated at approximately 12% for the past 15 years in Nepal, significantly impacting newborn survival. While antenatal care (ANC) visits and iron-folic acid supplementation are recognised as important interventions to reduce LBW, there is a lack of evidence regarding their combined effect. This study aimed to explore the potential synergistic impact of ANC and iron-folic acid supplementation on LBW in Nepal by analyzing data from two national surveys.

Methods

The nationally representative Nepal Demographic and Health Surveys of 2016 and 2022 were used, and the pooled dataset was analysed. Birth weight and the prevalence of LBW (i.e. birthweight < 2500 g) were reported using descriptive statistics. The associations amo

SUBMITTER: Khanal V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11416025 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature