Risk Factors for Low Birth Weight in Sidama Zone Government Hospitals, Southern Ethiopia, A Case-control Study

Background: Many studies had been conducted on the epidemiology of low birth weight (LBW) in high-income countries, however in countries like Ethiopia such evidence is scarce. The objective of this study was to assess the risk factors for LBW in Sidama zone. Method: Hospital-based case-control study design with a total sample size of 480, 96 cases, and 384controls from March to June 2018. Newborns were selected from three hospitals in the zone using simple random sampling techniques. Data were collected using a pretested questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements were made by following standard procedure. Risk factors for LBW were identified using multivariable logistic regression analysis. The output is presented using an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Result: Multivariable logistic regression analysis shows that urban place of residence [AOR=2.55(95% CI=1.15-5.82], mothers who did not have iron supplement during pregnancy [AOR=12.5(95 CI=5.06-31.0)], premature birth [AOR=2.78 (95% CI= (1.27-6.06)] and history of pregnancy complication[AOR=7.60(2.03-28.45)] were found to be significant determinants of LBW. Conclusion: Since the prevalence of LBW was more prominent in rural areas than their urban counterparts, socio-economic empowerment of rural women and community-based nutrition promotions programs should be given special emphasis. Strengthening efforts on availing basic health services and promoting education on nutrition during pregnancy also have positive inputs. Iron supplementation and nutritional assessment of women during ANC follow-up and providing interventions accordingly should be strengthening in all health facilities.