BACKGROUND
Low birth weight (LBW) is an essential indicator of infant growth and mortality, but data on LBW among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-exposed infants in China is still lacking.
OBJECTIVE
To fill this gap, this study aimed to explore the temporal trend and associated risk factors of the LBW among HIV-exposed infants in Hubei province, China.
METHODS
Between Jan 2004 and Dec 2021, pregnant women living with HIV in Hubei province, China, were recruited. The preventing mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) intervention measures were provided to pregnant women and infants, and the LBW and HIV status of HIV-exposed infants were followed. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze associated risk factors of the LBW rate.
RESULTS
In total, 565 mothers and 581 infants were enrolled. The mean birth weight and LBW rate were 3075±470.2g and 8.4%, respectively. From 2004 to 2021, a significantly increased LBW rate (4.7% to 14.0%, P=0.004) was observed. The use of protease inhibitor (PI)-based regimen (P=0.035) and the exposure to ART in the first trimester (P=0.012) were associated with the increase of LBW rate. Exposure to ART in the first trimester [adjusted odds ratio (AOR: 3.64, 95%CI (1.29, 10.27)] and the second trimester [AOR: 4.53, 95%CI (1.52, 13.48)], premature delivery [AOR: 48.44, 95%CI (16.98, 138.18)], and infant with HIV infection [AOR: 5.91, 95%CI (1.55, 22.58)] were predictors for LBW.
CONCLUSIONS
The significantly increased LBW rate in our study indicated that specific attention should be paid to HIV-exposed infants in China. More importantly, prediction models that can predict the risk of LBW and interventions that can prevent LBW are needed for prenatal care among pregnant women living with HIV.