Quality utilization of antenatal care and low birth weight: evidence from 18 demographic health surveys.

BACKGROUND: Low birthweight is a crucial factor in child mortality and morbidity and affects almost 20% of infants worldwide, mostly in low- and middle-income countries. AIMS: To assess the relationship between access to and quality of antenatal care and occurrence of low birth weight. METHODS: We analysed data from 18 demographic and health surveys, from 2005 to 2013, including 69 446 children. The main study outcome was birthweight < 2.5 kg, and access to and number of antematal care visits were exposure variables. Moreover, antenatal care attendants and time of visit (trimester) were considered. Multiple logistic regression adjusted for sampling at primary and country level was utilized. RESULTS: At least 1 and ≥ 4 antenatal care consultations were both associated with decreased odds of low birth weight when compared to none and < 4 antenatal care consultations, respectively. Additional benefit stemmed from having skilled antenatal care attendants and the first antenatal care consultation during the first trimester. CONCLUSIONS: Proper antenatal care coverage during pregnancy is beneficial for preventing low birth weight in low- and middle-income countries.