Magnitude of Low Birth Weight and Associated Factors among Newborns Delivered in Dangla Primary Hospital, Amhara Regional State, Northwest Ethiopia, 2017

BACKGROUND: Low birth weight is defined as a live born infant weighs less than 2 500 g regardless of gestational age. Globally, the prevalence of low birth weight ranges from 3% to 15%. Birth weight plays an important role in infant mortality, morbidity, development, and future health. The prevalence of low birth weight in Ethiopia was estimated to be 14% which is one of the highest percentages in the world. So, the aim of this study is to assess magnitude and associated factors of low birth weight among newborns delivered at Dangla Primary Hospital, Amhara Region, Ethiopia. METHODS: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Dangla Primary Hospital from September 27 to June 10, 2017. Systematic random sampling technique was used to select the 232 study participants. A structured and pretested questionnaire was used to collect data. Data quality was assured by pretesting, training, and frequent supervision. Descriptive statistics were performed for the descriptive part of the study. Binary and multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify independent predictors of low birth weight. Those variables and p-value < 0.25 were included in the multivariable logistic regression for controlling the possible effect of confounders. Finally, variables which had significant association were identified on the basis of AOR, with 95%CI and with P-value <0.05. RESULTS: Magnitude of low birth weight was 10.3 %. Previous history of low birth weight [AOR = 3.2, 95% CI: (1.13-9.9)], additional food intake during the last pregnancy [AOR = 5.0, 95% CI: (1.2-16.2)], and preterm delivery [AOR = 2.1, 95% CI: (3.1-19.2)] were independent predictors of low birth weight. CONCLUSION: Magnitude of low birth weight in Dangla Primary Hospital was high. So, strengthening counseling systems for women through quality antenatal care on advantage of additional food intake and previous bad obstetric outcome is necessary to alleviate the delivery of low birth weight neonates in the study area.