Abstract:
Abstract
Background: Macrosomia is defined as a birth weight of newborns ?4000g irrespective of
gestational age. It is becoming a burning public health issue in most developing countries and
directly or indirectly contributes to maternal and newborns morbidity, mortality, and disability.
Though macrosomia has been increasing in Ethiopia, scientific evidence about the magnitude
and associated factors of macrosomia is limited yet.
Objective: To assess the prevalence and associated factors of macrosomia among newborns
delivered at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.
Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 23rd February to 23rd
April 2020 using a systematic sampling technique. A sample of 491 mothers and their newborns
were included in the study. The data were collected by interviewing the mothers and reviewing
their charts using a structured questionnaire. Data were entered using Epi-data version 4.6 and
analyzed using Stata version 14 software. Descriptive results were presented using text, tables,
and charts. Both bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression was fitted. Variables with
P-value < 0.2 in the bi-variable analysis were considered for the multivariable analysis. Then, in
the multivariable logistic regression analysis Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with 95% CI and Pvalue was used to declare significant factors associated with macrosomia
Results: The prevalence of macrosomia was 7.54% (95% CI: 5.50%, 10.23%). The mean (±SD)
birth weights of the newborns were 3028.2 gram (±579.1). Gestational age ?40 weeks
(AOR=4.1, (95%CI=1.7, 9.7)), maternal diabetes mellitus (AOR=5.5, (95%CI=1.2, 25)),
previous history of macrosomic baby (AOR= 3.7, (95% CI: 1.4-10)), and male sex (AOR=3.4,
(95%CI=1.3, 8.7)) were significantly associated with macrosomia.
Conclusion: In the current study, the prevalence of macrosomia was relatively high. Being male
sex, maternal diabetes mellitus, gestational age, and previous history of the macrosomia were
factors associated with macrosomia. Therefore, the obstetric caregivers should give attention to
early identification and management of mothers with diabetes mellitus, previous history of
macrosomia, and gestational age of ? 40 weeks during their Antenatal care visit to prevent
macrosomia and its associated complications.
Keywords: macrosomia, birth weight, newborns, pregnancy, Ethiopi
