Risk Factors Associated with Very Low Birth Weight: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) is due to multiple gestations and reproductive-assisted techniques. Neonatal complications mainly arise in infants with VLBW and Extremely Low Birth Weight (ELBW). The main objective was to study the risk factors associated with VLBW and to conduct a meta-analysis. Methods: A meta-analysis was done to present the most recent risk variables for VLBW. Electronic databases were searched for information on the suggested topic. Using STATA version 14, the relevant data was extracted, and statistical analysis was conducted. Results: A total number of 112 studies have been conducted on the topic of VLBW worldwide from 2000 to 2020. Information from many parts of the world was evaluated in which GDP or per capita income, age, and education were followed in prominent regions of the world. As GDP and education level improved, the nutritional status also improved. Fifteen studies have been identified, with five meeting the inclusion criteria for the metanalysis of VLBW <1500g in developing countries. Illiteracy, poverty, mother occupation, hypocalcemia, and hypoglycemia were the common risk factors of VLBW (<0.05). Conclusion: It was identified that per-capita GDP is inversely proportional to VLBW throughout the world. VLBW in America was found to be significant when compared with central Europe (<0.005), similarly with Southern Europe (<0.03), Northern Europe (<0.00001), Asia (<0.0001), and Africa (<0.0001). Unlike per capita GDP, VLBW was insignificantly related to maternal age in all regions except Africa, where VLBW was significantly associated with maternal age (p<0.0001). In developing countries, illiteracy, poverty, mother occupation, hypocalcemia, and hypoglycemia are the common risk factors for VLBW (<0.05) as the complications related to VLBW are at a high-risk rate, so it is recommended that VLBW babies require special care at the time of birth, especially in poor economic countries.