Dwi SEPTIAWATI, Bambang WISPRIYONO, Rahmatillah RAZAK, Anisah ZALZABILA
Perinatal Journal - 2026;34(2):123-132
Infants with a birth weight of less than 2,500 grams, regardless of gestational age, are classified as having Low Birth Weight (LBW). LBW remains a global public health concern, including in Indonesia. As an environmental risk factor, exposure to air pollutants such as Carbon Monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO?), and Sulfur Dioxide (SO?) has been empirically shown to adversely affect maternal and fetal health. This study aimed to analyze the spatial patterns of air pollution risk factors (CO, NO?, and SO?) in relation to the prevalence of LBW in Palembang City from 2019 to 2023. An ecological study design was employed, integrating spatial analysis and time-series analysis to examine the temporal correlation between air pollutant exposure and LBW incidence. Secondary data on LBW births were obtained from the Palembang City Health Office, while air quality monitoring data were sourced from the Palembang City Environmental Agency, resulting in seven districts being included based on environmental sampling locations. Univariate analysis showed that the highest LBW prevalence (58 cases) occurred in Ilir Timur I District. The highest mean CO concentration was recorded in Ilir Timur III District (13,568 µg/Nm³/hour), while the highest mean NO? concentration (115 µg/ Nm³/hour) was observed in Plaju and Kertapati Districts. The highest mean SO? concentrations varied annually, with peak averages in Plaju (59 µg/Nm³/hour) and Kertapati (57 µg/Nm³/hour). Spatial analysis using QGIS software with overlay techniques identified a significant association between CO concentrations in 2021-2022 and LBW prevalence in 2022-2023 in Ilir Timur I District, as well as an association between LBW cases and SO? concentrations in Plaju District during 2021-2022. However, no association was found between LBW incidence and elevated NO? concentrations.
