Abstract

Background: Worldwide, low birth weight is one of the most common causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Different factors are associated with low birth weight but they operate at different environment and culture, they vary from set up to set up. To the best of authors’ knowledge, in Gurage Zone there is no sound empirical study done to examine the determinants of low birth weight through using case-control study design. Hence this study aimed to elucidate factor associated with low birth weight in public hospital of Gurage zone

Methods: - A facility based unmatched case - control study design was employed to detect the existing exposure difference between cases and controls.  The study included a total of 270 controls (normal weight) and 134 cases (low birth weight baby). Control and case participants were selected through consecutively. To collect the data structured interviewer administered questionnaire and anthropometric measurement were used.  The collected data were entered through Epi-data3.1 computer program and analyzed through Statistical package for Social Sciences version 21(SPSS v. 21). Univariate, Bivariate and Multivariate analysis were done.

Result: Multiple logistic regression model anlaysis  indicated that  low birth weight was independently associated  with maternal MUAC less tha 23 cm (AOR 1.79 (95%  CI= 1.01-3.16)) , gestational age less than 37 weeks(AOR 24.94 (95%  CI= 12.38-50.27)], prescence of  malaria infection during period of pregnancy(AOR 3.02 (95%  CI =1.39-6.51, precence of preclampsia, multiparity(AOR 2.19 (95%  CI =1.21-3.96).  and twining (AOR 5.42 95%  CI =2.01-14.59).

Conclusion: Gestational age <37 weeks, twining  ,malaria infection during pregnancy and maternal undernutrition   were  a significant predictors of LBW in the region of gurge zone. Hence, to effectively prevent low birth weight  gurage zone health departments should work on promotion of maternal nutrition during pregnancy ,  prevention of malaria  during pregnancy.