College of Health Sciences
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Item MAGNITUDE AND DETERMINANTS OF LOW BIRTH WEIGHT AMONG NEWBORN BABIES IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS OF MEKELLE CITY, TIGRAY REGION, ETHIOPIA, 2024(Mekelle University, 2024-06-28) DESTA FITSUMBackground: Low birth weight is a serious global public health issue which is associated with increased risks of neonatal morbidity, mortality, and later health complications. Low birth weight is present in over 20 million neonates annually, and the vast majority live in low and middle-income countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. In Ethiopia, the prevalence of Low birth weight is strongly heterogeneous by place, and the prevalence has been between 7.8% and 40%. It has remained a challenge despite global efforts through comprehensive maternal and newborn care. This study addresses the persistent challenge of low birth weight in Ethiopia by identifying context specific risk factors, offering critical evidence to guide targeted interventions and reduce neonatal morbidity and mortality in high burden, resource limited settings. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the magnitude and determinant factors of low birth weight among newborn babies in public hospitals in Mekelle City, Tigray, Ethiopia, in 2024. Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted. A total sample size of 383 was determined by using Epi Info version 7.2. Participants were selected using systematic random sampling. Data were collected using a semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire, that was pre-tested on 5% of the total sample outside the study area to ensure clarity, consistency. The collected data were entered into Epi Info version 7.2, then exported to SPSS version 27 for analysis. Both bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted and variables with a p-value less than 0.2 in the bivariate analysis were entered into the multivariable model. Adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated to assess the strength of associations, and statistical significance was determined at a p-value less than 0.05. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of Mekelle University, and informed consent was secured from all participants. Result: The prevalence of low birth weight is 13.1%. Rural residence (AOR=4.17, 95% CI: 1.19, 14.52), short birth intervals (AOR=5.3, 95% CI: 1.73, 16.17), ANC attendance <4 visits (AOR=5.28, 95% CI: 1.68, 16.53), maternal anemia (AOR=9.31, 95% CI: 2.59, 33.42) and preterm birth (AOR=4.39, 95% CI: 1.38,13.97) significantly associated with LBW. Conclusion and recommendation: Maternal age, rural residence, short birth interval, inadequate ANC follow-up and maternal anemia were significantly associated with low birth weight. Efforts should be made to identify women with high odds of low birth weight.