Abstract
Background. Low birth weight and preterm delivery are birth outcomes that can predict newborns’ survival, development, and long-term health outcomes. This study assessed the prevalence and factors associated with low birth weight and preterm delivery in the Ho Municipality of Ghana. Methods. This retrospective, cross-sectional study analysed data from 680 birth records between October and December 2018. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models predicted low birth weight and preterm delivery factors. Results. The prevalence of low birth weight and preterm delivery was 12.9% and 14.1%, respectively. Increasing maternal age (AOR: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.28–0.98), multiparity (AOR: 0.54; 95% CI: 0.30–0.94) and increasing doses of sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (AOR: 0.43; 95% CI: 0.22–0.84) significantly reduced the odds of low birth weight. However, caesarean section (AOR: 1.94; 95% CI: 0.1.16–3.27) and hypertension (AOR: 2.06; 95% CI: 1.27–03.33) significantly increased the likelihood of low birth weight. An increasing number of antenatal care visits (AOR: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.18–0.80) and doses of sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (AOR: 0.43; 95% CI: 0.19–0.97) were significantly associated with decreased odds of preterm delivery, while caesarean section increased the odds of preterm delivery by two folds (AOR: 2.14; 95% CI: 1.15–3.99). Conclusion. This study shows that maternal age, parity, number of antenatal care visits, hypertension, SP/IPTp, and caesarean section were independently associated with low birth weight and preterm delivery. Education and interventions should be prioritised as vitally important on these factors to reduce the risk and complications associated with these birth outcomes.
Highlights
Low birth weight and preterm delivery are birth outcomes that can predict newborns’ survival, development, and long-term health outcomes. is study assessed the prevalence and factors associated with low birth weight and preterm delivery in the Ho Municipality of Ghana
Birth weight is an important variable that influences newborns’ survival and development. It refers to the first weight taken in the first few hours of birth. erefore, normal birth weight is crucial for neonatal survival, optimal child development, and healthier life in adulthood [1]. e World Health Organization (WHO) stipulates that the average weight that reaches full term is between 2.7 and 4.1 kilograms with an average weight of 3.5 kilograms
Our study found that women aged 20–34 years were less likely to have low birth weight (LBW) babies than those younger than 20 years. is is consistent with data published by Althabe and colleagues, Alemu and Umeta, and Taha and colleagues
Summary
Low birth weight and preterm delivery are birth outcomes that can predict newborns’ survival, development, and long-term health outcomes. is study assessed the prevalence and factors associated with low birth weight and preterm delivery in the Ho Municipality of Ghana. Low birth weight and preterm delivery are birth outcomes that can predict newborns’ survival, development, and long-term health outcomes. Is study assessed the prevalence and factors associated with low birth weight and preterm delivery in the Ho Municipality of Ghana. Is study shows that maternal age, parity, number of antenatal care visits, hypertension, SP/IPTp, and caesarean section were independently associated with low birth weight and preterm delivery. Birth weight is an important variable that influences newborns’ survival and development. WHO defines low birth weight (LBW) as weight at birth of less than 2.5 kilograms/2500 grams [2] Epidemiological data influenced this classification that newborns who weigh less than 2.5 kilograms are at increased risk of neonatal mortality compared to their heavier counterparts [3]. Preterm babies are at a greater risk of neonatal infections and may require more complex care, resulting in prolonged hospitalisations, increased costs, and high mortality [5]
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