IMPACT OF ANTENATAL CARE AND HOUSEHOLD AIR POLLUTION ON LOW BIRTH WEIGHT IN GILGIT BALTISTAN

Abstract

The use of unclean cooking fuel is known to release harmful substances that can lead to intrauterine growth retardation. This condition often results in low birth weight among infants. Nevertheless, providing adequate antenatal care during pregnancy can reduce the risk of low birth weight. A low birth weight infant may experience decreased efficiency compared to a normally-weighted infant, making them more vulnerable to illnesses in infancy and later life. This study investigates the impact of indoor air pollution on maternal health and the quantity of antenatal care provided during pregnancy on the weight of newborns in Gilgit-Baltistan. Logistic regression analysis was utilized in this study by utilizing data from the Pakistan Demographics Health Survey conducted in 2017-18. The survey targeted women who had given birth in the past five years. The findings indicated that infants born in households using unclean fuel were likelier to have a lower birth weight than those born in households using clean fuel. Moreover, mothers who did not receive adequate antenatal care during pregnancy were at a higher risk of giving birth to low-weight infants than those who received appropriate care. To combat the deleterious consequences of air pollution from unclean fuel, it is advisable to prohibit their usage or augment the efficiency of cookstoves, thereby reducing the amount of emitted smoke. It is also essential to furnish health care facilities and professionals, thus offering universal coverage to women deprived of antenatal care services. Finally, information dissemination campaigns and rallies should be conducted throughout all districts of Gilgit Baltistan to foster awareness of these health care services.