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 (LBW) is one of poor outcomes of pregnancy that causes significant number of infant mortality and morbidity in developing countries. It is considered as an important indicator of the socio-economic condition and indirect measure of child and maternal health. Studies, particularly in developing countries showed that low birth weight is a public health problem. In Ethiopia, low birth weight claimed for 59 infant deaths per 1000 live births. However, there are limited studies conducted in Ethiopia, particularly at Gondar city. Objective: To assess prevalence and factors associated with low birth weight among women 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 (SPSS) version 22 for analysis. Binary Logistic regression analysis was carried out to assess factors associated with low birth weight. The adjusted odds ratio with the corresponding 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was used to identify the factors associated with LBW. Variables with a P-value of <0.05 was considered as a statistical significant variable. Results- The overall proportion of low birth weight was 18.1% [95% CI, (15.3, 21)]. Inadequate dietary diversity (AOR: 7.12; (95%CI: 3.67-13.82), maternal anemia, (AOR: 3.43; (95%CI: (2 5.88),

no formal education (AOR: 3.15; (95 % CI: 1.03-9.68) and attending primary education, (AOR: 5.92; (95 % CI: (1.99-17.57) , preterm birth (AOR:5.93;( 95% CI: (2.57-13.71) and primipara (AOR:1.98;(95%CI: (1.11-3.52) were significantly associated with low birth weight. 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.