Introduction The health of newborns is inextricably linked to that of their mothers. Some
maternal factors can influence neonatal survival, particularly for low birth
weight babies who are more vulnerable to diseases than normal weight
babies. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of maternal factors on
neonatal mortality among low birth weight babies in Aceh Province,
Indonesia.
Methods Study design was unmatched case control. Data collected from 2010 to 2012
in 8 districts in Aceh province, Indonesia. Total sample was 500, divided into
250 LBW who died in neonatal period (case group) and 250 who did not die
in neonatal period (control group). There were 6 maternal variables analysed.
Results Three of six variables analysed were not associated with neonatal mortality
among LBW (P > 0.05); these were: maternal death, parity and education
level. The age of the mother had a significant association with neonatal
mortality among LBW (P < 0.05), but was not a determinant factor. The
maternal illness and birth interval were determinant factors of neonatal
mortality among LBW(P < 0.05); maternal illness (Adj OR= 2.6; 95 % CI:
1.68 - 4.0) and birth interval (Adj OR= 1.8; 95 % CI: 1.20 - 2.91).
Conclusions Maternal illness and birth interval were determinant factors of neonatal
mortality among LBW. Appropriate care throughout stages of pregnancy and
increasing women’s knowledge on high risk pregnancy are the key factors to
the decrease of the neonatal mortality related to the maternal factors.