Abstract:
Background:
Low Birth weight (LBW) remains the most important risk factor which attributed to mortality of
15–20% of newborns across the globe. An infant with low Birth weight is more likely to have
stunting in childhood and develop markers of metabolic risk factors at his later age. Furthermore,
LBW is a risk for inter-generational assaults of malnutrition as it is the risk for sub optimal growth
until adulthood, affecting women’s and male’s reproductive capabilities. Thus, there is enough
concern to study the determinants of LBW across different settings. Accordingly, this study was
conducted to assess the determinants of low Birth weight at Jimma Medical Center (JMC), Oromia
region, south western Ethiopia.
Methods: Facility based unmatched case control study was conducted from July 1 to September
30, 2022. The data were collected using structured, pretested, interviewer administered
questionnaire. Consecutive live births of less than 2500g were selected as cases and succeeding
babies with weights of at least 2500g but less 4000g as controls. Data were entered in to Epi-data
software version 7.2.5.0 and exported to SPSS Version 25 and analyzed using frequency, cross-
tabs and percentages. Factors with p-value <0.25 in Bivariate analysis were entered in to
multivariable logistic regression and statistical significance was considered at p-value <0.05.
Result: From 194 selected participants, 194 new-borns (97 cases and 97 controls) participated. In
logistic regression model, significant association was found with Merchant Mothers [(AOR (CI) =
7.65 (2.10-26.9))], Incomplete antenatal Contact [AOR 2.87 (95% CI 1.1–7.4)], Absence of
Nutritional Counseling during Pregnancy [AOR 6.53 (95% CI 1.6–26.6], Pregnancy Induced
Hypertension [AOR 14.27(95% CI 2.9-68), and Danger signs during pregnancy [AOR 3.8 (95%
CI 1.5–9.6)] .
Conclusions and Recommendation: Occupation, Number of ANC Contact, Nutritional
counseling during Pregnancy, Danger signs, and Pregnancy Induced Hypertension were
significant determinants of low birth weight. Stakeholders would better work together to reduce
low birth weight by preparing appropriate intervention and monitoring policy
