Association of indoor air pollution and birth weight in rural area: A longitudinal study

<h2>Abstract</h2><h3>Background</h3> 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. <h3>Objective</h3> To determine the association of indoor air pollution and birthweight among pregnant women in a rural area. <h3>Methods and materials</h3> Socio-demographic, household and cooking characteristics of the participants were collected using pretested questionnaire. ANOVA, <i>t</i>-test and Multiple regression analysis done. PM_2.5 concentrations for IAP were measured using an Air Quality monitor. <h3>Results</h3> 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/m³ [AOR: 1.0692, 95 % CI: (1.0234, 1.1192)]. Every increase in 10 μg/m³ PM_2.5 concentration showed the odds of increase in low birth weight by a factor of 1.0635. <h3>Conclusion</h3> The present study concluded that birth weight in new born was affected by maternal exposure to factors causing indoor air pollution.