Risk factors for low birthweight among multinational mothers: results from the first population-based maternal and infant health monitoring system in the capital emirate of the United Arab Emirates.

BACKGROUND

Low birth weight (LBW; <2500 g) remains a major contributor to neonatal morbidity and mortality. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a high-income country (HIC) with a developing economy. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), population-level evidence on LBW determinants remains limited despite reported national prevalence being higher (13.9%) than in many high-income settings (Less than 7%). Using Phase one data from the Abu Dhabi Maternal and Infant Health Monitoring System, we examined factors associated with LBW and identified priorities for refinement for the monitoring system.

METHODS

We analyzed 711 mother-infant pairs enrolled across four birthing hospitals in Abu Dhabi between July and October 2023. Mothers were interviewed within 48 h postpartum using a standardized questionnaire covering sociodemographic, clinical, healthcare access, family planning, mental health, and behavioral factors. Associations were examined using chi-square/Wilcoxon tests and multivariable logistic regression, with information-gain feature selection used as an additional exploratory method.

RESULTS

Preterm birth was associated with LBW (aOR 27.94, 95% CI 15.18–54.60), as were maternal underweight (aOR 5.87, 95% CI 1.51–20.91) and hypertension during pregnancy (aOR 4.22, 95% CI 1.48–11.70). Pregnancies reported as occurring at the “right time” were also associated with higher odds of LBW (aOR 2.86, 95% CI 1.06–8.94). Among Emirati mothers, prior family-planning visits were associated with LBW (aOR 15.33, 95% CI 2.34–119.10). Information-gain feature selection additionally highlighted nationality and intake of multivitamins.

CONCLUSIONS

In our sample, LBW was associated with preterm birth, underweight mothers, and hypertension during pregnancy. Clinical visits for family planning and birth control added extra risk of LBW, specifically for the Emirati population. The findings support strengthening preconception nutrition, antenatal hypertension surveillance, and collection of additional variables such as assisted reproductive technology, gestational weight gain, and parity in the scaled-up monitoring system, which is currently underway.