Birth weight predicts academic performance among Ghanaian school children

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Abstract Birth weight (BW) is commonly used as a benchmark for child health and growth. Low birth weight (LBW) is defined by the WHO as a BW of 2500g (2.5kg) (LBW). LBW has been identified as a risk factor for poor child health and has been linked to a variety of negative child health outcomes, including cognitive impairment and poor school performance. The purpose of this study was to look at the relationship between birth weights (BW) and academic performance in a large Ghanaian metropolitan area. A retrospective study was carried out. This study included 360 children ages 9 to 15 from four primary schools. To determine associations, academic records of children were combined with records of their birth weight. The relationship between birth weight and academic performance scores was determined using linear regression modeling. The prevalence of LBW was 14% among school children. 65% scored low on a three-year academic performance score scale. After adjusting for the effects of other factors, there was strong evidence of an association between LBW and academic performance score (β= -6.90, 95% CI: -11.19 to -2.51, p=0.002). We find that for every 10 grams decrease in birth weight, the academic scores of children decreased by 69 points after controlling for potential confounders. This study found an association between birth weight and academic performance in Ghanaian primary school children. Efforts to increase birth weight could benefit cognitive development and academic performance in childhood.

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