DETERMINANTS OF LOW BIRTH WEIGHT AMONG NEWBORNS DELIVERED AT PUBLIC HOSPITALS IN SIDAMA ZONE, SOUTH ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Introduction: Low birth weight is a global public health problem. Identifying determinants of low birth weight is crucial to design intervention strategies. Despite profuse studies conducted in Ethiopia, majority of them were reported from urban populations. Therefore the aim of this study is to identify determinants of low birth weight at public hospitals in Sidama Zone. Objective: To identify the determinants of low birth weight among new born delivered at public Hospitals in Sidama Zone, Ethiopia. Methods: Facility based case control study was conducted from March 1 to May 5, 2019 in Sidama Zone public Hospitals. A total of 354 study participants (118 cases and 236 controls) were selected. Cases were consecutively selected. For each case, two controls succeeding them were selected. Pretested interviewer administered structured questionnaires used to collect the data. Data were checked for completeness, entered into Epi data version 4.4.2.1 and exported to SPSS version 20. Descriptive statistics, logistic regression analysis were done to identify determinants of low birth weight. A variable with P value < 0.05 at a final model was taken as significant determinant oflow birth weight. Results: Participants’ residence [AOR= 3.83, 95%CI (1.92-7.64)], time of antenatal care initiation [AOR=0.19, 95%CI (0.06-0.62)], history of pregnancy induced hypertension [AOR=6.25, 95%CI (2.07-18.82), taking iron [AOR=4.74, 95%CI (1.70-13.25)], maternal mid-upper circumference [AOR=3.30, 95%CI (1.60-6.81)] and dietary diversity [AOR=3.40, 95%CI (1.27-9.11)] were significantly associated with low birth weight. Conclusion: Study showed that, time of antenatal care initiation, participant’s residence, history of pregnancy induced hypertension, taking iron, maternal mid-upper circumference and dietary diversity were found to be independent determinants of low birth weight. Providing routine iron for all pregnant women, promoting women’s timely initiation of antenatal care, screening of all pregnant women for hypertension, and risk of malnutrition and early provision of nutritional aid is crucial to avert low birth weight rate.