Birth Weight and Gestational Age Significantly Associated with Infant Mortality at Bahteramas Regional General Hospital, Southeast Sulawesi, in 2025

Infant mortality remains an important indicator of public health and reflects the quality of maternal and neonatal health services. Low birth weight (LBW) and gestational age that is not in accordance with the pregnancy period are two major biological factors that contribute to an increased risk of infant mortality. At Bahteramas Regional General Hospital, as a provincial referral hospital, infant mortality cases still occur every year, requiring a more specific analysis of the determinants. This study aims to determine the relationship between birth weight and gestational age and infant mortality at Bahteramas Regional General Hospital. The research method used an observational study with a cross-sectional approach based on medical record data. The sample used total sampling, covering all infants who died at the Bahteramas Regional General Hospital in Southeast Sulawesi Province from 2024 to November 2025, totaling 153 infant deaths. Data analysis was performed using the chi-square test and logistic regression. The results showed that birth weight had a significant relationship with infant mortality, with LBW infants having a higher probability of death than infants with normal birth weight. Gestational age also had a significant effect, with premature infants having a higher risk of death than full-term infants. The conclusion of this study is that birth weight and gestational age are important determinants of infant mortality at Bahteramas Regional General Hospital. Strengthening early detection of pregnancy risks, monitoring antenatal care, and optimizing neonatal services are essential to reduce infant mortality rates.