Articles

Association Between Third-Trimester Maternal Anemia and Low Birth Weight: A Prospective Cohort Study at Sikumana Primary Health Center

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Background: Maternal anemia remains one of the most common complications during pregnancy and continues to pose a significant public health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Reduced hemoglobin concentration during pregnancy may impair oxygen and nutrient transport from mother to fetus, potentially resulting in suboptimal fetal growth and adverse perinatal outcomes, including low birth weight.

Objective: To evaluate the association between anemia in third-trimester pregnant women and the incidence of low birth weight among newborns at Sikumana Primary Health Center.

Methods: This study employed an observational analytic design with a prospective cohort approach. A total of 50 third-trimester pregnant women and their newborns were enrolled. Maternal hemoglobin levels were measured using venous blood samples analyzed in the laboratory, while neonatal birth weight data were obtained from maternal and child health records or birth certificates. Data normality was assessed using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, and the relationship between maternal anemia and birth weight was analyzed using Pearson correlation.

Results: The prevalence of anemia among third-trimester pregnant women was 36%, while the incidence of low birth weight was 40%. The most frequently observed erythrocyte morphologies were microcytic hypochromic and normocytic normochromic patterns. Statistical analysis demonstrated a significant association between maternal anemia and low birth weight (p = 0.032), with a moderate correlation strength (r = 0.304).

Conclusion: Anemia in the third trimester of pregnancy was significantly associated with low birth weight among infants delivered at Sikumana Primary Health Center. Strengthening early detection and management of maternal anemia may contribute to improved neonatal outcomes.

Infant Growth Pattern Aged 0-6 Months in Low Birth Weight Babies with Normal Birth Weight Babies in Kendari City

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Background: This study aims to determine the differences in growth patterns of babies aged 0-6 months with a history of Low Birth Weight (LBW) and Normal Birth Weight (NBW) at the Kendari City Regional General Hospital.

Method: This type of research is observational research with a retrospective cohort research design. The sample in this study was 72 newborn babies who were divided into 2 groups, namely LBW and LBW babies. Data analysis uses non-parametric tests, namely the Maan Withney test.

Results: The results of this study stated that the growth pattern of babies aged 0-6 months with a history of low birth weight in Kendari city hospitals was mostly in the normal category. The growth pattern of babies aged 0-6 months with a history of normal birth weight at Kendari City Hospital is mostly in the normal category.

Conclusion: There is a difference in the growth pattern of LBW and LBW babies (p=0.001). There is a difference in the time to achieve normal growth. The median time to achieve normal growth for LBW babies is 5 months, while for LBW babies it is 1 month.