Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background Exposure to Indoor air pollution (IAP) during pregnancy can cause numerous health conditions in both the mother and new-born. Use of biomass as cooking fuel is a major factor that could lead to IAP, and low birth weight (LBW) is one of the many adverse birth outcomes. This research study measured concentrations of PM 2.5 , a hazardous pollutant to determine IAP and its association with LBW. Objective To determine the association of indoor air pollution and birthweight among pregnant women in a rural area. Methods and materials Socio-demographic, household and cooking characteristics of the participants were collected using pretested questionnaire. ANOVA, t -test and Multiple regression analysis done. PM 2.5 concentrations for IAP were measured using an Air Quality monitor. Results The incidence of LBW in pregnant women exposed to IAP was 24.6 %. There was association of LBW among pregnant women with, history of past adverse birth outcomes [AOR: 1.9176, 95 % CI (1.0147, 4.2349)], dampness in household [AOR: 1.6837, 95 % CI (1.3284, 4.061)] and, household PM 2.5 concentrations exceeding 40 μg/m 3 [AOR: 1.0692, 95 % CI: (1.0234, 1.1192)]. Every increase in 10 μg/m 3 PM 2.5 concentration showed the odds of increase in low birth weight by a factor of 1.0635. Conclusion The present study concluded that birth weight in new born was affected by maternal exposure to factors causing indoor air pollution.
Language: English
Subfield: Pollution
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,000
OpenAlex ID: W4408929785