Prevalence and Associated Factors of Low Birth Weight Among Women Giving Live Birth in Public health Facilities in Gondar City, North West Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: - Low Birth Weight giving live birth in public health facilities of Gondar city Methods: An institution based cross-sectional study was conducted at public health facilities of Gondar city. Total of746 women who gave birth in public health facilities of Gondar city were included in the study using systematic random sampling. Data were collected using structured and pretested interviewer administered questionnaire and data were entered in Epi-info version 7 and then exported Results- The overall proportion of low birth weight was 18.1% [95% CI, Conclusion and recommendations- In the study setting, the prevalence of LBW was higher than the previous studies/EDHS2016 report. Primary education, primipara, anemia, birth at gestational age <37 and inadequate dietary diversity significantly associated with low birth weight. Therefore, women empowerment in education , special care for primipara, prevention of anemia during pregnancy and nutrition counseling about dietary diversity are essential to prevent low birth weight. Keywords: anemia, preterm, low birth weight.