MAGNITUDE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS OF LOW BIRTH AMONG NEWBORNS IN SELECTED HOSPITALS OF GURAGE ZONE, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA, 2023

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction: Low birth weight (LBW), defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a birth weight less than 2500g. more than 30 million infants were born with low birth weight in worldwide, it is also significant concern in Ethiopia. Studies have indicated a high prevalence of LBW among newborns in the country. LBW has far-reaching implications for infant morbidity, development, and future health. Objective: To assess the magnitude and associated factors of Low Birth Weight in selected Hospitals of Gurage Zone, Southern Ethiopia,2023. Method and material: An institutional-based cross sectional study design was conduct at selected Hospital in Gurage Zone from May 26 up to June 26, and a simple random sampling technique was use to select 176 participants. Mother with new born who attended delivery during study period was used to calculate sample size and a single proportional formula was used to determine the sample size. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS statical package. A structure and present questionnaires were used to collect data. Result: The study reveals that the prevalence of Low Birth Weight was 23.53% with 95% CI (17.33%-29.53%) and 96.6% response rate in selected hospital of Gurage Zone. In final mode maternal age >35 AOR 2.85 (1.19-6.76), gestational age of newborn <37-week AOR 3.06(1.32 7.07), not taking iron supplements during pregnancy (AOR 2.87, 95%CI: 1.19-6.79), were found to be statistically significant to low birth weight. Conclusions and recommendation: According to this study the prevalence of low birth weight was high. Factors such as advanced maternal age, inadequate iron intake, multiparity, lack of antenatal care visits, anemia during pregnancy, and preterm birth were significant factors for low birth weight. To reduce low birth weight, interventions such as focus on improving maternal health, promoting ANC services, preventing anemia, and preterm births are crucial.