Maternal exposure to fine particulate matter and preterm birth and low birth weight in Africa.

BACKGROUND

Fine particulate matter (PM) exposure has been reported to adversely affect birth outcomes, but the evidence is limited, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We assessed the associations between maternal PM exposure and low birth weight (LBW) and preterm birth (PTB) in Africa.

METHODS

We used standard Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) data (2005-2015) from 15 countries in Africa to conduct a cross-sectional study. The study population was composed of 131,594 births with detailed information on maternal and household variables. LBW was defined as a birth weight of < 2500 g after 37 weeks, and PTB was defined as live birth occurring before 37 weeks of gestation. Average exposure to PM during pregnancy was estimated using satellite-based models. Multivariable logistic regression models were constructed, and analyses of data by region (Western, Eastern, Central, and Southern Africa) and data stratified by potential effect modifiers were conducted.

RESULTS

A total of 13,214 (10%) LBW and 4,377 (3.3%) PTB cases were identified. An interquartile range (IQR) (33.9 μg/m) increase in PM during pregnancy was associated with increased odds of LBW and PTB, with odds ratios (ORs) of 1.28 (95% CI: 1.23, 1.34) and 1.08 (95% CI: 1.01, 1.16), respectively. Region-specific analyses revealed significant associations between PM and LBW in all regions, and significant associations between PM and PTB in Western and Southern Africa. Subgroup analyses revealed that the association between PM and LBW was present in all subgroups, and stronger associations were observed in female infants, while the association between PM and PTB was larger in subgroups of older individuals living in urban areas.

CONCLUSION

This multicountry study in Africa demonstrated significant associations between maternal exposure to PM and higher odds of LBW and PTB. Our findings may facilitate air quality control strategies that address adverse birth outcomes in LMICs.