Predictors of Low Birth Weight among Newborns Delivered At a Referral Hospital in Hadiya Zone, Southern Ethiopia

In developing countries, such as Ethiopia, neonatal morbidity and mortality, which is usually associated with low birth weight, are still high. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the extent and predictors of low birth weight among newborns delivered at a referral hospital in Hadiya Zone, Southern Ethiopia.

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 1st to 28th April, 2019. A structured questionnaire and chart review were used to collect data. A systematic sampling technique was used to recruit 363 study participants. The relationship of independent variables with the dependent variable was determined using bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses. The odds ratios were calculated with their 95% confidence intervals, and statistical significance was accepted at a p -value of < 0.05. SPSS software (version 23) was used to enter and analyze the data.

The prevalence of low birth weight was found to be 12.7%. The predictors of low birth weight comprised of not receiving antenatal care visit (AOR =7.6; 95 % CI: 1.23-6.24), preterm delivery (AOR=4.99, 95% CI: 2.22-11.18), anemia (AOR =4.99; 95% CI: 2.22-11.18) and smoking of cigarette (AOR=5.85; 95% CI: 1.18-28.92).

This study revealed that a significant proportion of newborns are delivered with low birth weight. Consumption of iron-rich foods and abstinence from smoking should be encouraged to help prevent low birth weight. Additionally, increasing the uptake of antenatal care visits and prompt diagnosis and treatment of obstetric complications such as preterm delivery are important.