Gizachew Gobebo Mekebo
Ambo University, Ethiopia
Title: Low birth weight and associated factors among under-five children in Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia
Biography
Biography: Gizachew Gobebo Mekebo
Abstract
Background: Low birth weight (LBW) is a good summary measure of multifaceted public health problems including long-term maternal malnutrition, ill health, and poor health care during pregnancy. LBW results in a higher risk of dying in the first 28 days of life (neonatal death). LBW is a global public health problem with higher prevalence in developing countries. The prevalence of LBW in Ethiopia remains high. In Ethiopia, Oroma is one of the regions with high prevalence of LBW. This study aimed to determine prevalence of LBW and identify factors associated with LBW among under-five children (U5C) in Oromia regional state of Ethiopia. Methods: The data used in this study were extracted from the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey data. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was done to identify the potential predictors of LBW. An adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used examine associated of factors with LBW in multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 137 women of U5C were considered in this study. The prevalence of LBW in the study area was 15.3% (95% CI: 9.7-22.5). Rural residence (AOR:3.927, 95% CI: 1.104-14.676), females (AOR:3.058, 95% CI: 1.008-11.140) and multiple births (AOR:4.655, 95% CI: 2.557-15.644) were significantly associated with higher odds of being LBW babies while secondary and higher education (AOR:0.220, 95% CI: 0.056-0.861), being supplied iron during pregnancy (AOR:0.362, 95% CI: 0.105-0.781), ANC attendance (AOR:0.473, 95% CI: 0.203-0.614) and gestational age of 37 weeks and above (AOR:0.224, 95% CI: 0.312-0.811) were significantly associated with lower odds of being LBW babies. Conclusion: Place of residence, sex of child, maternal education, ANC visits, iron supplementation, birth type and gestational age were statistically significant factors associated with LBW. Thus, health care providers should encourage mothers to give attention to attend ANC services. Mothers should also be encouraged to get iron during their pregnancies. Furthermore, there should be preventive strategies for preterm delivery.