Factors Associated with Low Birth Weight in Horticulture Area, Semarang District, Indonesia

Abstract

The use of pesticides in agricultural areas can have an impact on the condition of pregnant women and their fetuses, one of which is on LBW conditions. This study aims to proved the exposure of pesticides during pregnancy as a risk factor for the incidence of low birth weight babies (LBW) in Bandungan Sub district, Semarang District. Case group was defined as women giving birth to babies with LBW conditions. The control group defined as women who deliver babies without experiencing LBW conditions. Subject selection was limited to data in Bandungan sub district, Semarang District between 2017 and February 2019. The total sample for the case and control group was 104 respondents. This study used a case control method. Spraying pesticides activity (OR = 2,182; 95% CI = 1,755-2,712), dan the use of pesticides > 4 types (OR = 9,211; 95% CI = 1,974-42,983) proved to be a risk factor for LBW events. Keywords— Pesticides exposure, low birth weight, women farmworker, risk factor.