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

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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.