Prevalence and Associated Factors with Low Birth Weight in Kersa District: Based on Data from Health and Demographic Surveillances System in 2014, Eastern Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Globally, as of 2010, an estimated 43.3 million babies were born with low birth weight. This accounts to 36% of all births in low and middle income countries. Low birth weight is the main risk factor for neonatal and infant mortality. In many developing countries including Ethiopia, as most women give birth at home, an accurate estimate of the problem is not known. Hence, the main objective of this analysis is to determine the prevalence and factors associated with low birth weight in Kersa District, Eastern Ethiopia; it is based on the data from longitudinal surveillance.
Methods: This study used longitudinal data of all the pregnant women and birth outcome from Kersa Health and Demographic Surveillance System who were followed from December 2013 to November 2014. During this period2116 live birth were registered and the weights of 1088 newborn weight were measured within 72 hours. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify the factors associated with low birth weight. Crude and Adjusted Odds Ratio with 95% confidence interval was reported with significance level of P<5%.
Results: The prevalence of low birth weight was 21.9% (95%CI: 17.1%-26.7%). Rural residence (AOR 5.49; 95% CI: 2.61-11.54), labor work (AOR 4.29; 95% CI: 1.42-12.92), middle wealth index(AOR 1.87; 95%CI; 1.22-2.86), institutional delivery (AOR 1.44; 95%CI: 1.05-1.97) and not using bed net (AOR 1.59; 95%CI: 1.17-2.16) were predictors of low birth weight.
Conclusion: The magnitude of low birth weight was high. Rural residence, labor work, middle wealth index, institutional delivery and not using bed net were the predictors of low birth weight. Risk focused health education during antenatal follow up, along with quality and accessible antenatal care, should be stressed.