The prevalence of low birth weight in Ethiopia was estimated to be 14%, one of the world’s highest percentages. This study aims to assess the magnitude and associated factors of low birth weight among newborns delivered at Dangla Primary Hospital, Amhara Region, Ethiopia.
An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Dangla Primary Hospital. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select the 232 study participants. A structured and pretested questionnaire was used to collect data. Data quality was assured by pretesting, training, and frequent supervision. Researchers performed descriptive statistics for the descriptive part of the study.
The magnitude of low birth weight was 10.3 %. The previous history of low birth weight, additional food intake during the last pregnancy, and preterm delivery were independent predictors of low birth weight.
The magnitude of low birth weight in Dangla Primary Hospital was high. So, strengthening counseling systems for women through quality antenatal care on the advantage of additional food intake and the previous bad obstetric outcome is necessary to alleviate the delivery of low birth weight neonates in the study area.
Reference: https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jp/2019/3587239/
