Abstract
BackgroundLow Birth Weight (LBW) is one of the major risk factor for death in early life. However, little is known about predictors of LBW in sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, the aim of this study was to measure the incidence and determinants of LBW in a rural population of Ethiopia.MethodsAn observational cohort study on pregnant women was conducted from December 2009 to November 2010. During the study period 1295 live birth were registered and the weights of 956 children were measured within 24 hours after birth. Socio-demographic, economic, maternal and organizational factors were considered as a predicators of LBW, defined as birth weight below 2500g. Logistic regression was used to analyze the data, odds ratio (OR) and confidence intervals (CI) are reported.ResultThe incidence of LBW was 28.3%. It is significantly associated with poverty [OR 2.1; 95% CI: 1.42, 3.05], maternal Mid Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) less than 23 cm [OR 1.6; 95% CI: 1.19, 2.19], not attending ANC [OR 1.6; 95% CI: 1.12, 2.28], mother’s experience of physical violence during pregnancy [OR 1.7; 95% CI: 1.12, 2.48], and longer time to walk to health facility [OR 1.6; 95% CI: 1.11, 2.40].Conclusion and RecommendationThe incidence of LBW was high in Kersa. Babies born to women who were poor, undernourished, experienced physical violence during pregnancy and who had poor access to health services were more likely to be LBW in this part of the country.In this largely poor community where ANC coverage is low, to reduce the incidence of LBW, it is essential to improve access for maternal health care. The involvement of husbands and the community at large to seek collective action on LBW is essential.
Highlights
Low Birth Weight (LBW) is one of the risk factors for child morbidity and mortality [1,2]
LBW was detected among 271 babies (28.3%; confidence intervals (CI) 25.5, 31.2)
More LBWs were observed among women whose ages were less than 20 and more than 40, who were illiterate, who were rural resident and who were poorer than their counterparts
Summary
Low Birth Weight (LBW) is one of the risk factors for child morbidity and mortality [1,2]. Children whose birth weight is less than 2.5 kilograms, are considered to have a higher than average risk of early childhood death [3,4]. In Ethiopia, studies conducted in the year 2000 and 2004 in Addis Ababa and around Jimma rural communities showed that the prevalence of LBW was 8.8% and 10%, respectively [11,12]. Low Birth Weight (LBW) is one of the major risk factor for death in early life.
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