Predictors of Low Birth Weight in Newborn Delivered in Public Hospital of Gurage Zone, Southern Ethiopia: A Case-Control Study

Abstract

Worldwide, low birth weight is one of the most common causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Though factors associated with low birth weight vary from one region to another, in Gurage Zone, there is no sound analytical study done to examine the local determinants of low birth weight. Because of this, the study aimed to elucidate the predictors of low birth weight in public hospital of Gurage zone. Methods: A facility based unmatched case-control study design was employed to detect the existing exposure difference between cases and controls. The study included a total of 270 controls (normal weight) and 134 cases (low birth weight baby). Control and case participants were selected through consecutively. To collect the data, structured interviewer administered questionnaires and anthropometric measurement were used. The data were entered through Epi-data 3.1 computer program and analyzed through Statistical package for Social Sciences version 21 (SPSS v. 21). Univariate, Bivariate and Multivariate analysis were done. Result: Multiple logistic regression model analysis indicated that low birth weight was independently associated with maternal mid upper arm circumference less than 23 cm (AOR 1.79 (95% CI = 1.01 - 3.16)), gestational age less than 37 weeks (AOR 24.94 (95% CI = 12.38 - 50.27)), presence of malaria infection during period of pregnancy (AOR 3.02 (95% CI = 1.39 - 6.51)), presence of preclampsia, multiparity (AOR 2.19 (95% CI = 1.21 - 3.96)) and twining (AOR 5.42 95% CI = 2.01 - 14.59). Conclusion: Gestational age < 37 weeks, twining, malaria infection during pregnancy and maternal undernutrition were a significant predictor of LBW in the region of Gurage zone. Hence, to effectively prevent low birth weight, Gurage zone health departments should work on promotion of maternal nutrition during pregnancy, prevention of malaria during pregnancy.