Risk Factors For Low Birth Weight At Dr. Hadrianus Pangururan Regional Hospital

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Risk Factors for Low Birth Weight at Dr. Hadrianus Pangururan Regional Hospital: A Quantitative Study

Introduction

Every year, approximately 15 million babies are born prematurely, before reaching the gestational age of 37 weeks. This alarming increase in premature births has led to complications that are the main cause of death in children under the age of five. In 2015, nearly one million children lost their lives due to premature birth. The premature birth rate varies across the world, ranging from 5% to 18% of the total birth in 184 countries. In this context, Dr. Hadrianus in Samosir Regency conducted research to identify risk factors related to premature birth and low birth weight.

Research Objectives

This study aims to understand various factors that can affect the incidence of premature births in Dr. Hadrianus. Some special objectives to be achieved include:

  1. Analyzing the Knowledge and Socioeconomic Level of the Family: This objective aims to examine the relationship between the knowledge and socioeconomic level of the family and the incidence of premature birth.
  2. Examining the Effect of Education on Premature Birth: This objective aims to investigate the impact of education on the events of premature birth.
  3. Investigating the Age of the Mother during Childbirth as a Risk Factor: This objective aims to assess the effect of the mother's age during childbirth as a risk factor for premature birth.
  4. Assessing the Effect of Antepartum Bleeding and Antenatal Supervision History: This objective aims to examine the impact of antepartum bleeding and antenatal supervision history on premature birth.
  5. Identifying the Most Dominant Risk Factors: This objective aims to identify the most dominant risk factors that cause the high birth rate of premature babies.

Methodology

This study uses a quantitative approach with a control case study design, involving 100 respondents who meet the established inclusion and exclusion criteria. This approach allows researchers to be more accurate in assessing the relationship between various risk factors and premature birth.

Research Results

The results showed that of the total premature births, there were a number of significant infants (BBLR). Here are some of the main findings:

  • Low Birth Weight (LBW): Of the total premature births, as many as 50 babies are classified as LBW.
  • Education Level: From participants who have an educational background to elementary and junior high school, there are 46 BBLR babies.
  • Maternal Work: Mother who works also records 46 BBLR babies.
  • Maternal Age: In terms of age, young mothers and old adults contribute to 27 cases of LBW.
  • Multipara Parity: Multipara parity (mothers who have given birth more than once) show 28 cases of LBW.
  • Abortion History: History of abortion is found in 45 BBLR babies.
  • Pregnancy Distance: Pregnancy distance less than two years indicates 46 BBLR babies.
  • Antenatal Supervision: In terms of antenatal supervision, 47 BBLR babies experience an incomplete history of surveillance.
  • Hemoglobin Levels: Low levels of hemoglobin (HB) are associated with 46 BBLR babies.
  • Blood Pressure: High blood pressure is found in 47 BBLR babies.

Conclusion

Factors that influence the birth of premature babies and low birth weight are significantly related to several aspects such as childbirth, education, work, maternal age, parity, abortion history, pregnancy distance, antenatal supervision, hemoglobin levels, and blood pressure. This study provides important insights that can be used to develop more effective intervention strategies in reducing premature birth rates and low birth weight at Dr. Hadrianus Pangururan. Family and community involvement in increasing knowledge and improving socio-economic conditions can be a crucial first step in overcoming this problem.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

  1. Improving Education: Improving education and increasing awareness about the risks of premature birth and low birth weight can help reduce the incidence of these problems.
  2. Enhancing Socioeconomic Conditions: Enhancing socioeconomic conditions, such as increasing access to healthcare and improving living standards, can help reduce the risk of premature birth and low birth weight.
  3. Increasing Antenatal Supervision: Increasing antenatal supervision and monitoring can help identify risk factors and prevent premature birth and low birth weight.
  4. Improving Maternal Health: Improving maternal health, including reducing the risk of anemia and high blood pressure, can help reduce the risk of premature birth and low birth weight.
  5. Developing Intervention Strategies: Developing effective intervention strategies, such as counseling and support programs, can help reduce the incidence of premature birth and low birth weight.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

  1. Sample Size: The sample size of this study is relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
  2. Selection Bias: The selection of participants may be biased, which may affect the accuracy of the findings.
  3. Measurement Error: Measurement error may occur due to the use of self-reported data.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to:

  1. Increase the Sample Size: Increase the sample size to improve the generalizability of the findings.
  2. Use More Objective Measures: Use more objective measures, such as medical records, to reduce measurement error.
  3. Investigate Other Risk Factors: Investigate other risk factors, such as genetic factors and environmental factors, to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the causes of premature birth and low birth weight.

By addressing these limitations and future research directions, this study can contribute to the development of more effective intervention strategies in reducing premature birth rates and low birth weight at Dr. Hadrianus Pangururan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Risk Factors for Low Birth Weight at Dr. Hadrianus Pangururan Regional Hospital

Q: What is low birth weight (LBW)?

A: Low birth weight is a condition where a baby is born weighing less than 2,500 grams (5.5 pounds). This can be a sign of premature birth or other health problems.

Q: What are the risk factors for low birth weight?

A: The risk factors for low birth weight include:

  • Premature birth
  • Maternal age (being too young or too old)
  • Education level (lower education level)
  • Maternal work (working during pregnancy)
  • Multipara parity (having given birth more than once)
  • Abortion history
  • Pregnancy distance (less than two years)
  • Antenatal supervision (incomplete history of surveillance)
  • Hemoglobin levels (low levels)
  • Blood pressure (high blood pressure)

Q: What can be done to prevent low birth weight?

A: To prevent low birth weight, the following can be done:

  • Improving education and increasing awareness about the risks of premature birth and low birth weight
  • Enhancing socioeconomic conditions, such as increasing access to healthcare and improving living standards
  • Increasing antenatal supervision and monitoring
  • Improving maternal health, including reducing the risk of anemia and high blood pressure
  • Developing effective intervention strategies, such as counseling and support programs

Q: What are the consequences of low birth weight?

A: The consequences of low birth weight can include:

  • Increased risk of death in the first year of life
  • Increased risk of health problems, such as respiratory distress syndrome and infections
  • Increased risk of developmental delays and learning disabilities
  • Increased risk of behavioral problems and emotional difficulties

Q: How can families and communities help prevent low birth weight?

A: Families and communities can help prevent low birth weight by:

  • Increasing awareness about the risks of premature birth and low birth weight
  • Improving education and socioeconomic conditions
  • Supporting pregnant women and new mothers
  • Encouraging healthy behaviors, such as regular prenatal care and a balanced diet
  • Providing emotional support and counseling to pregnant women and new mothers

Q: What role can healthcare providers play in preventing low birth weight?

A: Healthcare providers can play a crucial role in preventing low birth weight by:

  • Providing regular prenatal care and monitoring
  • Identifying risk factors and developing individualized care plans
  • Educating pregnant women and new mothers about the risks of premature birth and low birth weight
  • Providing emotional support and counseling to pregnant women and new mothers
  • Encouraging healthy behaviors, such as regular prenatal care and a balanced diet

Q: What are the next steps for research on low birth weight?

A: The next steps for research on low birth weight include:

  • Increasing the sample size to improve the generalizability of the findings
  • Using more objective measures, such as medical records, to reduce measurement error
  • Investigating other risk factors, such as genetic factors and environmental factors, to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the causes of premature birth and low birth weight
  • Developing effective intervention strategies, such as counseling and support programs, to reduce the incidence of premature birth and low birth weight.

Q: How can individuals get involved in preventing low birth weight?

A: Individuals can get involved in preventing low birth weight by:

  • Increasing awareness about the risks of premature birth and low birth weight
  • Supporting organizations that work to prevent premature birth and low birth weight
  • Encouraging healthy behaviors, such as regular prenatal care and a balanced diet
  • Providing emotional support and counseling to pregnant women and new mothers
  • Advocating for policies and programs that support pregnant women and new mothers.