Determinant factors of low birth weight in Indonesia: Findings from the 2017 Indonesian demographic and health survey

Low birth weight (LBW) is still a significant problem in Indonesia because it affects the growth and development of infants. It is also one of the factors that increase the risk of developing chronic disease later in life. The study aimed to analyse the determinants of LBW in Indonesia. This cross-sectional analytic study used secondary data from the 2017 Indonesian Demographic and Health Survey (IDHS). Data on the maternal factors (maternal age, frequency of antenatal care (ANC) visits, education, and maternal smoking status), children's birth order, and socio-demographic factors of the 14,239 respondents were examined. The association between LBW and the independent variables was analysed using bivariate analysis with a chi-square test (X2), followed by multivariate analysis in the form of binary logistic regression. LBW was identified in 960 infants (6.74%). Fewer than four ANC visits [AOR = 1.86; 95% CI = 1.44–2.42], uneducated mothers [AOR = 2.09; 95% CI = 1.00–4.37], and mothers who finished only primary school [AOR = 1.45; 95% CI = 1.05–2.00] were significantly associated with the incidence of LBW. This study revealed that the frequency of ANC visits was a dominant factor in the incidence of LBW. To reduce LBW in Indonesia, the government must increase ANC visits through health promotion programmes and maintain ANC facilities and quality. •ANC visits are one of the maternal factors that have a relationship with LBW.•A higher risk of having LBW babies is associated with fewer than four ANC visits.•Mothers with a low level of education have a higher risk of delivering a LBW baby.•Education may help mothers to amend their behaviour and reduce the chances of LBW.•Maternal age, smoking activity, residence area, and child's birth order were not related to LBW incidence.