Abstract:
Background; Low birth weight which is associated with a wide range of both short- and long-term
consequences remains a formidable public health challenge for the 21st century. Despite the presence of
different prevention options and efforts it is estimated that 15% to 20% of all births worldwide are low
birth weight. Although several studies have been conducted in different countries including Ethiopia, most
of the studies conducted didn’t considered the food security status, environmental related and maternal
dietary diversity related factors.
Objective: - To identify determinant factors of low birth weight among newborns.
Method; Facility based unmatched case control study was employed from March 15, 2020 to June 16,
2020 among 84 cases and 168 controls in selected public health facilities of Silte zone. Cases were
newborns with birth weight less than 2500gm and controls were newborns with birth weight greater than
2500gm. The data were collected using semi structured, pretested interviewer administered
questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify independent
determinants of Low birth weight, and variables with a p-value <0.05 were considered to be statistically
significant.
Results: The mean birth weight was 2154.94gm ± 233.43 gm SD for cases and 3022.92gm ± 311.88 gm
for controls.not iron and folate supplementation during pregnancy(AOR=4.175, 95%CI;(1.437,12.300),
not taking additional meal(AOR= 3.096, 95%CI(1.278,7.502)), maternal hemoglobin level <11g/dl, (AOR
= 5.213, 95% CI (1.923,14.130), house hold food insecurity (AOR= 6.853, 95%CI;(3.008, 15.613))and
inadequate minimum dietary diversity of women(AOR=4.131(1.403,12.158)were found to be
independent determinants of low birth weight.
Conclusion and recommendations: Lack of iron and folate supplementation during pregnancy, maternal
meal frequency during pregnancy, maternal hemoglobin level, Food insecurity and inadequate Minimum
dietary diversity of women were significant determinants of Low birth weight. The importance of
additional food and iron and folate supplementation during pregnancy, and proper identification of high
risk mother needs to be strengthened effort to reduce incidence of Low birth weight infants. In addition,
working with agricultural sector, Women affairs targeting pregnant women in improving women dietary
diversity. Health extension workers and health professionals in each health facility working at ANC clinic
should give advice pregnant mothers about use and adherence of iron folate, additional meal, and dietary
diversity.
