Determinants of Low Birth Weight Among Babies Born at Gabiley General Hospital, Gabiley District, Western Somaliland. Unmatched Case Control Study

Abstract Background: Low birth weight (LBW) is the weight of an infant at birth of less than 2,500 grams. It remains a major issue of public health concern globally with a disproportionate burden on low and middle income countries that leads to fetal and neonatal mortality and morbidity, poor cognitive development and an increased risk of chronic diseases later in life. As low birth weight relates to survival, growth and wellbeing of infants throughout the life and to the investigator’s knowledge, no study has yet been done to elucidate the determinants of low birth weight in Gabiley district, Western Somaliland. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the determinants of low birth weight among babies born Gabiley General Hospital. Methods: Facility based unmatched case control study was employed from July 1 to August 31, 2022. A total of 291 participants were included in the study of which 97 were cases and 194 were controls. The data were collected using structured and pretested interviewer administered questionnaire. The first live births of less than 2500gm in the hospital were selected as case and succeeding babies with weights of at least 2500gm as control. Data were entered using Epi-data software version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS Version 25. The data were presented using frequency, cross-tabs and percentage. Variables with p-value < 0.25 in bivariate analysis were entered in to multivariable logistic regression and statistical significance was considered at p-value < 0.05. Results: Over all 291 mothers with their respective newborns (97 cases and 194controls) were included in the study making the response rate of 97%. Gestational age of <37 weeks (AOR=2.18; 95 % CI: 1.11–4.29), previous history of low birth weight (AOR=2.17; 95 % CI: 1.12 - 4.21), 1st trimester hemoglobin level of <11g/dl (AOR=1.93; 95% CI: 1.06–3.50), meal frequency of two times and 3 times (AOR=4.70; 95% CI: 1.38-15.97), (AOR=4.47; 95% CI: 1.50-13.34) and MUAC <23cm (AOR=4.04; 95% CI: 2.19–7.45) were the factors significantly associated with low birth weight. Conclusion: Factors like gestational age, previous history of low birth weight, hemoglobin level, not having additional meal during pregnancy and maternal MUAC were found to be associated with low birth weight. Therefore; nutrition education for pregnant women and strengthen antenatal care service and nutrition campaigns are needed to address the identified risk factors.