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The Effect of Adolescent Marriage through the Risk of Low Birth Weight (Pengaruh Perkawinan Usia Muda terhadap Risiko Berat Badan Lahir Rendah)

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Finding from some studies have indicated that low birth weight have a greater risk of encountering health problems during their first weeks of life and that these problems may lead to death during the neonatal or post-neonatal periods. This study analyzed the effect of adolescent marriage (or strictly speaking adolescent pregnancy) on the risk of low birth weight. Data for this study are drawn from the Indramayu Health and Family Planning Prospective Study that was conducted collaboratively by the Child Survival Research Centre, the University of Indonesia, the Indonesia National Family Planning Board, the Ministry of Health John Snow Inc. The Indramayu study was conducted in two subdistricts in Indramayu Regency in West Java. The present paper uses two main data sources that were collected in the Indramayu study, i.e. the baseline survey (conducted in 1989) and the mother care study which was conducted from 1990 to 1992. Results of the analyses indicate that a baby delivered by an adolescent mother (less than 19 years) has an increased risk of low birth weight. This results remains significant after controlling the effect of confounding variable. Results of multivariate analysis suggest that biological theory is likely to be the explanatory mechanism for the relationship between adolescent pregnancy and the increased risk of low birth weight. Based on the results of analysis, it can be suggested that the delay of marriage to adulthood (more than 19 years old) constitutes and imporrtant strategy to alleviate the occurrence of low birth weight. However, if the adolescent marriage cannot be avoided, the postponement of first pregnancy should be advocated. In this case, the role of family planning is very important in avoiding adolescent pregnancy. Intensified family planning education, combined with the provision of contraceptives which are affordable and reliable, should made available in order to reduce the high prevalence of low birth weight in rural areas.

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Jurnal Jaringan Epidemilogi Nasional,(3)1996:9-16

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: ., 1996

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infant, low birth weight
pregnancy in adolescence

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