Effect of Women's Decision-Making Autonomy on Infant's Birth Weight in Rural Bangladesh. (12th December 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sharma, Arpana; Kader, Manzur
• Other Names: Adhikari M. Academic Editor.; Patole S. K. Academic Editor.; Sarker S. A. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: ISRN pediatrics. Volume 2013(2013)
• Publication Date: 2013-12-12
• Subjects: Pediatrics -- Periodicals; Pediatrics; Pediatrics; Periodicals; 618.92
• DOI: 10.1155/2013/159542
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-469X

Abstract

Abstract : Background . Low birth weight (LBW), an outcome of maternal undernutrition, is a major public health concern in Bangladesh where the problem is most prominent. Women's decision-making autonomy is likely an important factor influencing maternal and child health outcomes. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of women's decision-making autonomy on infant's birth weight (BW). Methods . The study included data of 2175 enrolled women (14–45 years of age) from the Maternal and Infant Nutritional Intervention in Matlab (MINIMat-study) in Bangladesh. Pearson's chi-square test, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), and logistic regression analysis were applied at the collected data. Results . Women with lowest decision-making autonomy were significantly more likely to have a low birth weight (LBW) child, after controlling for maternal age, education (woman's and her husband's), socioeconomic status (SES) (odds ratio (OR) = 1.4; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0, 1.8). BW was decreased significantly among women with lowest decision making autonomy after adjusting for all confounders. Conclusion . Women's decision-making autonomy has an independent effect on BW and LBW outcome. In addition, there is a need for further exploration to identify sociocultural attributes and gender related determinants of women decision-making autonomy in this study setting.