Magnitude of Low Birth Weight and Its Associated Factors Among newborns In Attat Hospital, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Globally, WHO estimates that about 30 million low birth weight babies are born annually (23.4% of all births), and they often face short and long-term health consequences. Efforts were made to reduce low birth weight worldwide; however, it remains a global public health problem especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Furthermore, LBW is a risk for inter-generational assaults of malnutrition as it is the risk for sub optimal growth until adulthood, affecting women’s and male’s reproductive capabilities. Objectives: This study is aimed to assess the magnitude of low birth weight and its associated factors among newborns in Attat Hospital Southern Ethiopia, 2021 Methodology: Institution based cross sectional study was conducted from June15, 202 to July 15, 2021 in Attat hospital on 283 mothers/baby pairs who delivered during the study period selected by using a simple random sampling technique. Data was collected by using a pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire; entered and analyzed by using SPSS version 21. Factors with p-value < 0.2 in bivariate analysis were entered in to Multivariable logistic regression and finally statistical significance was considered at p value <0.05 with a 95% Confidence Interval (CI). Result: In this study, the prevalence of low birth weight was 18.1%. Maternal age <20 years (AOR: 3.78, 95% CI, 1.02–13.97), rural residence (AOR: 3.49, 95% CI, 1.48–8.24), having antenatal care follow-up (AOR: 3.79, 95% CI, 1.08–13.23), gestational age <37 weeks (AOR: 3.82, 95% CI, 1.55–9.42), and history of LBW (AOR: 3.37, 95% CI, 1.17–9.72) were significantly associated with low birth weight. Conclusion and Recommendations: The proportion of LBW in this study is comparable to the estimated global prevalence. Maternal age, residence, antenatal care, gestational age, and previous history of LBW were significantly associated variables with low birth weight. Therefore, special attention should be given to antenatal care services and preventive strategies for preterm delivery