Abstract:
Babies born with Low-birth weight are at increased risk for serious health problems which are
accompanied by disabilities and even death. Hence this study aims to determine socioeconomic
factors that lead to low birth weight of children in Kenya. Data used was from Kdhs 2003 and the
significant effect of socio-economic determinants on low birth weight was examined using
logistic regression analysis data is categorical and continuous in nature, where predictor variables
being socio-economic determinants and birth weight being dependent variable. Results indicate
that out of ten socio-economic factors involved in the study, six revealed some significant effects
on the children with low birth weight, four determinants namely , sex of the child, antenatal visit
for pregnancy, antenatal care attendance and time wanted pregnancy has no significant impact to
the infant birth weight holding other factors constant. The six major socio-economic determinants
which can alter the weight at birth for babies born in Kenya were Religion, Educational
attainment, Age of household head, Smokes nothing, Current marital status, and Size of child at
birth. Therefore Socio-economic determinants have a significant effect on Low birth weight
which suggests a strong negative associated with infant survival in Kenya independent of other
risk factors. Children can be ensured a healthy start in life if women start pregnancy healthy and
well nourished, and go through pregnancy and childbirth safely. Also expectant mothers should
keenly focus on the socio-economic determinants by avoiding some like smoking, acquire
education so that they can understand how to take care of themselves and not always to depend
on the doctor's advice, give enough time and prepare for the pregnancy
