A Cross Section Study for the Predictors Associated With Birth Weight

Abstract Introduction Birth weight has three possible outcomes that include normal birth weight (NBW) (2500 – 3999grams), low birth weight (less than 2500 grams), and macrosomia (at least 4000 grams and beyond). Low birth weight (LBW) and macrosomia are considered adverse outcomes of newborn health. The prevalence of LBW globally ranges from 7 – 17 %, whereas, that of macrosomia ranges from 4 – 16%. However, the information established in Uganda during the five years preceding the 2016 Uganda Demographic Health Survey (UDHS), only 67% of mothers had their weights taken at birth, indicating a 33% shortfall. Methods A cross-sectional research design was used on the basis of the dataset of the most recent UDHS of 2016. A sample of 4687 singleton births for which full information of birth weight was attained was used. The multinomial logistic regression model was fitted at both bivariate and multivariate levels with consideration for LBW, NBW, and macrosomia for which NBW was used as the base category. STATA 16 was used for data analysis. Results The results showed that premature birth delivery increases the risk of LBW (RRR 3.5, CI (2.029,5.886)); facility delivery reduces LBW (RRR0.58, CI (0.401, 0.850)). Adequate ANC attendance reduces the risk of LBW (RRR0.38, CI (0.182, 0.794)) and also reduces the risk of macrosomia (RRR0.6, CI (0.340, 1.052)). A male fetus increases the risk of macrosomia comparison category (RRR1.3, CI (1.223, 1.498)), primary education attainment reduces the relative risk of macrosomia (RRR0.8, CI (0.664,0.963)), secondary education increases the relative risk of macrosomia (RRR1.29, CI (1.022,1.634). Conclusion We recommend ANC attendance and facility delivery, given their positive effect on normal birth weight. ANC will guide the feeding habits of expectant mothers as well as ensure nutritional interventions, maternal and fetal assessment for detection of danger and establish the risky gender, implement any preventive measures, intervene in case of common physiological symptoms, and recommend the health system interventions to improve utilization of the available facilities.