Abstract

Maternal Factors Associated with Low Birth Weight among Term Newborns in South Ethiopia: A Case-Control Study

Background: Low birth weight is an important cause of prenatal mortality and both short and long-term infant and childhood morbidity. Objective: This study aimed to identify maternal factors associated with low birth weight among term newborns in Wolaita Zone hospitals in South Ethiopia. Method: The case-control study design was applied from March 1 to July 30, 2019. A total of 395 mothers (99 cases and 296 controls) were interviewed by trained data collectors using a structured and pretested questionnaire. Results: The mean ± standard deviation of birth weight was 3069 (± 614) grams. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed an adjusted significant odds ratio for husbands farming occupation (AOR: 3.1; 95% CI; 1.5, 6.3). Having a bank account (AOR: 0.4; 95% CI; 0.2, 0.8) and an income <800 birr (<26 USD) (AOR: 6.5; 95% CI; 1.98, 22). The inter-pregnancy interval less than 24 months (AOR: 5; 95%; CI 2.1, 11.6), a maternal weight less than 50 kg (AOR: 7.09; 95% CI; 3.4, 11.9), and the availability of a separate kitchen room (AOR: 5.5; 95% CI; 3.1, 9.6) were significantly associated with low birth weight. Conclusion: Income, Paternal employment, a maternal weight of less than 50 kg, an inter-pregnancy interval of fewer than 24 months, and not having a separate kitchen room were factors associated with low-birth-weight babies. Efforts should be made to improve the living standard of mothers by designing means of income generation; counselling related to a pregnant mother’s specific diet and nutritional education also needs to be emphasized.

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