ReviewHealth science reports2026
Disparities in Low-Birth-Weight Prevalence Across Kenya: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Maternal, Demographic, and Socioeconomic Risk Factors.
Review in Health science reports, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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12 authors.
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Abstract
Background and Aims: Low birth weight (LBW) persistently poses a substantial public health risk throughout Kenya, most intensely within lower-middle-income groups. The research aimed at determining the prevalence of LBW in Kenya while conducting an evaluation of maternal and sociodemographic factors related to its development. A systematic review of observational studies (cross-sectional and cohort) was conducted to assess LBW prevalence together with risk factors. Methods: The research utilized multiple databases to run a thorough literature search in accordance with PRISMA guidelines from 2000 up to November 2024. The research included sixteen studies that satisfied the established criteria. A random-effects model was utilized to evaluate both LBW prevalence as well as risk factor prevalence levels. The statistical approach for assessing heterogeneity consisted of both Cochran's Q-test and the I² statistic. The study analyzed variation by using subgroup assessments together with meta-regression evaluation methods. Results: Research findings indicated a combined prevalence of 11.7% (95% CI: 8.9%-15.1%) for LBW in Kenya alongside significant variability (I² = 98%). Mothers without formal education demonstrated the peak rate of 13.2% LBW, while mothers with tertiary education showed the lowest LBW rate at 8.5%. Rates of Low birth weight demonstrated a connection with birth order position since sixth or higher birth order infants, along with first-born infants, presented greater LBW risk (8.6% and 8.1%) than fourth or fifth order delivery (5.9%). Conclusions: This systematic review and meta-analysis confirm that LBW, with a prevalence of 11.7% in Kenya, remains a major issue that varies by region and maternal factors. The most at-risk are uneducated mothers and firstborns of high birth order. There should be region-specific policies to improve maternal health services and quality prenatal care. Additionally, promoting female education is crucial to reducing LBW and its long-term impacts.
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