The magnitude and associated factors of low birth weight among newborns delivered in selected public and private hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, a comparative cross-sectional study
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Background
Low Birth Weight (LBW) is one of the primary indicators of the health status of neonates and the nutrition of the mothers. It’s the main determinant of the infant’s survival and growth, both mentally and physically.
Objectives
To assess newborns’ low birth weight and its associated factors at public and private health facilities in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 2023.
Methods
An institutional-based comparative cross-sectional study design was employed from April to May 2023. A multistage sampling technique was used to collect data from 533 mothers. The interviewer-administered technique was the method of data collection. Data entry was done by Epi info and analyzed by SPSS. Multivariable logistic regression was employed to identify independent factors to the outcome variable.
Result
The overall magnitude of low birth weight was 20.3% (16.9, 23.6, 95% CI). The low birth weight was higher in public hospitals, 24.7% (20.4, 29.8, 95 CI) compared to private hospitals 15.2% (11, 20.1, 95 CI). The neonates born in private and public hospitals have birth weights of means of 3085±681.92 and 2930.21±559.10 grams respectively indicating significant differences (µ1-µ2 = 155.58, 95% CI: (48.60, 262.57) grams. History of abortion (AOR=2.643, 95% CI: 1.309,5.338). History of stillbirth (AOR=3.173, 95% CI:1.158, 8.693), history of chronic disease (AOR= 2.990, 95% CI: 1.414, 6.321), income level (AOR= 5.304, 95% CI: 1.795,15.673), number ANC visit (AOR=2.545, 95% CI: 1.272, 5.091), and gestational age at birth (AOR= .205,95% CI:.095, .441) were found as significant factors that are associated with low birth weight of babies public hospitals, while History of chronic Disease (AOR= 4.056, 95% CI: 1.317,12.492), additional nutrition intake (AOR=4.626, 95% CI: 1.426,15.010) and Gestational age (AOR=.078, 95% CI: .028, .214) were found as significant factors associated with low birth weight of babies born in private hospitals.
Conclusion and Recommendation
LBW is a significant public health concern that is linked to multiple factors. The magnitude of LBW and its associated complications would be decreased by the identification of risky mothers and early detection and management of those factors at public and private hospitals.
