Association Between Prenatal Iron Supplementation and Birth Weight: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of DHS-7 Data: Association Between Prenatal Iron Supplementation and Birth Weight

Muqaddas Nazir Ahmed; Sheheryar Ahmad Khan; Manahl Imran; Sehaj Kabir

doi:10.54393/pbmj.v9i5.1368

Authors

Muqaddas Nazir Ahmed Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan
Sheheryar Ahmad Khan Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
Manahl Imran College of Statistical Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
Sehaj Kabir Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54393/pbmj.v9i5.1368

Keywords:

Iron Supplementation, Pregnancy, Birth Weight, Maternal Health, Antenatal Care, Neonatal Outcomes, Low Birth Weight, Maternal Nutrition, DHS-7, Public Health

Abstract

Low birth weight (LBW) continues to be a public health problem and is associated with poor neonatal health outcomes. Iron deficiency in pregnancy is known to have adverse effects on the growth of the fetus, and iron supplementation during pregnancy is commonly recommended to enhance birth outcomes. But the evidence based on information from DHS-7 is limited. Objectives: To assess the association between iron supplementation during pregnancy and birth weight, adjusting for maternal age, education, wealth, and use of antenatal care. Methods: A cross-sectional study with secondary data was obtained from DHS-7. Data were analyzed for 100 women having full information on iron supplementation during pregnancy and newborn birth weight. The outcome variable was birth weight, and the primary exposure was iron supplementation. The following factors were considered as covariates: maternal age, education, wealth index, and antenatal care visits. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Mann–Whitney U test, and multiple linear regression with robust standard errors. Results: Women who received iron supplementation delivered infants with significantly higher birth weights than those who did not. After adjustment for other factors, iron supplementation remained significantly associated with higher birth weight. Maternal age and antenatal care visits were also positively associated with birth weight, while education and wealth showed no significant effects. Conclusions: Iron supplementation during pregnancy was significantly associated with higher birth weight after adjustment for maternal and socioeconomic factors. These findings suggest that iron supplementation and adequate antenatal care may contribute to improved birth outcomes.

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