What question did this study set out to answer?

The central aim is to determine the prevalence of low birth weight and assess related maternal and sociodemographic risk factors in Kenya.

April 21, 2026Open Access

Disparities in Low‐Birth‐Weight Prevalence Across Kenya: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Maternal, Demographic, and Socioeconomic Risk Factors

Key Points

The central aim is to determine the prevalence of low birth weight and assess related maternal and sociodemographic risk factors in Kenya.
Conducted a systematic review of observational studies between 2000 and November 2024.
Employed a random-effects model to evaluate prevalence and risk factors.
Analyzed variability using subgroup assessments and meta-regression methods.
The combined prevalence of low birth weight in Kenya was found to be 11.7%.
Mothers without formal education had the highest LBW rate at 13.2%, while those with tertiary education had a lower rate of 8.5%.
Firstborn infants and those from the sixth or higher birth order were more likely to have low birth weight.

Abstract

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.

Disparities in Low‐Birth‐Weight Prevalence Across Kenya: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Maternal, Demographic, and Socioeconomic Risk Factors

Key Points

Abstract

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