Types of Antenatal Care and Other Related Factors Associated with Low Birth Weight in Southern Thailand

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between low birth weight (LBW) and antenatal care (ANC) when provided by different categories of care givers in Thailand. Two types of care providers are distinguished: western trained and traditionally trained. The socioeconomic, biological, and obstetric characteristics of 602 cases and 705 controls were compared based on standardized interviews with postpartum women. The results of the study show that women who receive care from different types of care providers have differing levels of risk of LBW delivery. Women who receive no ANC and those who receive care only from traditionally trained care providers have about twice the level of risk of LBW as women who are attended either by western trained care providers or by a combination of western trained and traditionally trained care providers. Even when major potential confounders, such as maternal age or mother's level of education are controlled, this relationship is still maintained.