Adequate antenatal care visits are associated with a reduction in the odds of low birth weight in Zambia: evidence from the Zambia demographic and health survey

Abstract Background Low birth weight (LBW) remains a major public health challenge in low and middle-income countries and is associated with increased risks of neonatal mortality, impaired growth, and adverse developmental outcomes. Antenatal care (ANC) provides essential interventions that support maternal health and fetal growth; however, many women do not achieve the recommended number of ANC visits. This study is therefore aimed at providing evidence of the protective effect of adequate ANC against LBW in the Zambian context. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of data from the 2001-2024 Zambia Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS). The study included non-anemic women aged 15–49 years with a recent singleton live birth and available birth weight information. Low birth weight was defined as birth weight