Magnitude and factors associated with low birth weight among newborns in public health facilities of Mekelle City, northern Ethiopia: a multi-center study

Abstract

This study revealed a substantial incidence of low birth weight. The initiation of the first antenatal care visit in the third trimester, failure to supplement nutrition during pregnancy, the occurrence of obstetric complications during pregnancy, and a gestational age at birth less than 37 weeks were all found to be significantly correlated with this condition. It is recommended that policymakers strengthen maternal and child health services, especially through the focused ANC program, to improve outcomes. Health facilities should promote awareness of the importance of initiating ANC visits early, with an emphasis on nutritional counseling throughout pregnancy.