Determinants of low birth weight among newborns delivered at Jimma Medical Center, Jimma Zone, Oromia Region, and South– Western Ethiopia: Unmatched case-control study

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