Composition, determinants, and risk factors of low birth weight in Sri Lanka
This study presents the results of one of the most extensive country-wide studies evaluating the composition and determinants of low birth weight. The study highlights the importance of considering small for gestational age and prematurity as separate categories of low birth weight. Small for gestational age contributes to approximately two-thirds of the low birth weight burden. Therefore, targeting modifiable risk factors for small for gestational age while mitigating the burden of prematurity is the most feasible approach to reduce the prevalence of low birth weight in developing countries, including Sri Lanka.
Authors
- Sachith Mettananda (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0760-0418)
- Asiri Hewamalage (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2254-7483)
- Sampatha Goonewardena (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3368-7959)
- Himali Herath (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3316-2463)
- Dhammica Rowel
- KK Nanayakkara
- Chithramalee De Silva
- Nimesha Chamidani Gamhewage (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5129-4158)
- Susie Perera
- Indika Liyanage
- Kaushalya Udani
- Abner Daniel
- Ayesha Thewage
- Rajika Savanadasa
Institutions
- University of Kelaniya (LK)
- University of Sri Jayewardenepura (LK)
- Colombo North Teaching Hospital (LK)
- Ministry of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine (LK)
Publication Details
- Journal
- PLoS ONE
- Published
- 2025-02-07
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0318554
- Citations
- 5
- Primary Topic
- Global Maternal and Child Health
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 17.47
Funders
- UNICEF