Exposure to armed conflict as a factor associated with very low birth weight: Case-control population study

Objective To determine the association between armed conflict and very low birth wright (VLBW), which is a multifactorial etiology public health problem that includes aspects of poverty and violence. Methods Case-control population study matched by year of delivery conducted in Cauca, Colombia, between 2010 and 2016. Cases of VLBW, with weights between 500 and 1499 g and controls weighing between 2500 and 3999 g. Cases and controls were identified through the vital statistics registry, and exposure was determined using a multidimensional index designed by the Colombian State. Multiple gestations were excluded. Conditional logistic regression for matched data was used, adjusting for confounding variables. Results Overall, 7068 matched participants (1767 cases and 5301 controls) were included. Cases and controls had similar baseline characteristics. Participants were predominantly women in the second and third decades of life, 3222 (46%) were exposed to armed conflict, and 1902 (27%) were of African-Colombian or indigenous ethnicity. Maternal exposure to armed conflict significantly increased the odds of VLBW among women with rural birth (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.86, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.74-5.45) and inadequate prenatal care (aOR 10.38, 95% CI 8.20-13.12). Conclusion Exposure to armed conflict increases the odds of VLBW neonates. This factor needs to be considered in prenatal care.