article · Pediatric Health Medicine and Therapeutics
This study investigated the factors contributing to low birth weight among newborns in public hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where over 13% of births are low birth weight. Researchers conducted an institution-based case-control study involving 270 newborns (90 cases and 180 controls) in 2019. Data were collected through interviews using a structured questionnaire and analysed using logistic regression. The findings revealed significant associations between low birth weight and several maternal factors, including gestational hypertension, maternal height below 155 cm, incomplete antenatal care visits, and lower educational status. The study concludes that these identified predictors should be addressed through collaborative interventions and monitoring policies to reduce the prevalence of low birth weight.
Low birth weight is a critical public health issue, significantly impacting infant health, growth, and survival, especially in developing countries. Identifying its specific causes allows for targeted public health interventions and policy development. This research provides crucial insights for improving maternal and child health outcomes in Ethiopia by addressing preventable risk factors.
The abstract does not indicate a direct application pathway for commercialisation. However, its findings could inform the development of public health programmes, educational materials, and policy interventions aimed at reducing low birth weight. These insights are valuable for public health organisations and policymakers working on maternal and child health initiatives, representing early-stage public health research.
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BACKGROUND: Birth weight predicts the infant's future health, growth, and viability. It is a good summary measure of many public health problems that include long-term maternal malnutrition, and poor health care during pregnancy. In developing countries, a birth weight below 2500 g is the leading cause of infant and child mortality. In Ethiopia, LBW had more than 13% prevalence. Determinants of low birth weight were yet to be completely understood. Therefore, this study investigates the predictors of low birth weight. OBJECTIVE: To identify determinants of low birth weight among newborns delivered at Addis Ababa public hospitals, 2019. METHODS: Institution-based unmatched case-control study was conducted among 279 (93 cases and 186 controls) newborns delivered from March 15 to April 30, 2019, in Addis Ababa public hospitals. Consecutive and systematic random sampling were employed to select cases and controls, respectively. Data were collected by interview using structured and pretested questionnaire. Finally, data were entered using Epi-data 4.2 and analysed using SPSS version 25. Factors having P-value < 0.25 in the bivariable logistic regression model were entered into a multivariable logistic regression model. Statistical significance was declared at P-value ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: From 279 selected participants, 270 new-borns (90 cases and 180 controls) participated. In logistic regression model, significant association was found with gestational hypertension [AOR 3.7 (95% CI 1.6-8.7)], maternal height [AOR 5.7 (95% CI 1.7-19.7)], incomplete antenatal visit [AOR 6.7 (95% CI 3.2-15.3)], and low maternal educational status [AOR 3.8 (95% CI 1.3-10.9)]. CONCLUSION: Predictors of low birth weight were maternal height <155 cm, complications during pregnancy, gestational hypertension, and incomplete Antenatal visit, and low maternal education. Stakeholders would better work together to reduce low birth weight by preparing appropriate intervention and monitoring policy.
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DOI: 10.2147/phmt.s246008
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