Determinant of Low Birth Weight and Preterm Birth at Public Health Facilities in Assosa Zone, Ethiopia: Cross-sectional Study
Tariku Adamu1, Eshetu Ejeta1, Mitsiwat Abebe1, Eriste Nigussa Gamshe2*, Tesfaye Techane Kelali2, Dereje Bayissa Demissie2
Abstract
Background: Preterm birth and low birth weight account the largest proportion of adverse birth outcomes and are common cases of neonatal mortality. Whereas reasons for the occurrence of such adverse outcomes are less studied.
Objectives: This study was done to identify factors associated with preterm birth and low birth weight among mothers who gave birth in health facilities at Benishangul Gumuz Region, Ethiopia, 2020.
Methods: A cross sectional study was employed among 477 randomly selected mothers who gave birth in health facilities at Benishangul Gumuz, Ethiopia in 2020. The data was collected electronically using CS-Entry android device and analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. Simple and multiple binary logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors independently associated with preterm birth and low birth weight at p-value less than 0.05.
Results: Pregnancy-related complications, history of still birth, birth before 37 weeks and mothers with no additional daily meal during pregnancy were significantly associated with 2.4, 3.3, 5.0 and 2.3 higher odds of low birth weight, respectively. Mothers who reside at rural areas, and who cannot read or write were having 2.7 and 5.4 times higher odds of preterm delivery, respectively. Inter-pregnancy interval of <24 months was associated with 1.9 higher odds of preterm birth and 1.7 higher odds of low birth weight.
Conclusion: In this study it was identified that complications during pregnancy, history of still birth, and no additional daily meal during pregnancy were found to be significant predictors of low birth weight. Low maternal educational status and rural residence were associated with low birth weight. Where, shorter interpregnancy interval is found to be strongly associated low birth weight and preterm birth. Tackling pregnancy-related complications and strengthening postnatal family planning service is vital in addressing issues related to inter-pregnancy intervals as well as reducing low birth weight and preterm deliveries.
Keywords: Preterm, Low birth weight, Factors, Mothers
