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FACTORS PREDISPOSING TO LOW BIRTH WEIGHT IN JIMMA HOSPITAL SOUTH WESTERN ETHIOPIA
Abstract
Background: Low birth weight continues to remain a major public health problem in Ethiopia in contrast to what is observed in many developing countries.
Objectives: To assess some of the predisposing factors to low birth weight among deliveries in Jimma hospital.
Design: Cross-sectional case referent study.
Setting: Maternal and child health clinic and maternity ward of Jimma University Hospital, Ethiopia.
Subjects: One hundred and forty seven mothers who gave birth to low birth weight (LBW) babies between June 1999 and July 2000 were identified.
Main outcome measures: Normal and low birth weight.
Results: The incidence of LBW was found to be 11.02%. Mothers younger than 20 years and ³35 years, short stature (£150 cm), late first antenatal visit and complications during pregnancy were significantly associated with LBW (p<0.001). However, parity showed a negative association with LBW.
Conclusion: Attention to nutritional education, early antenatal care interventions and strengthening of maternal and child health assists in combating LBW in the area.
Objectives: To assess some of the predisposing factors to low birth weight among deliveries in Jimma hospital.
Design: Cross-sectional case referent study.
Setting: Maternal and child health clinic and maternity ward of Jimma University Hospital, Ethiopia.
Subjects: One hundred and forty seven mothers who gave birth to low birth weight (LBW) babies between June 1999 and July 2000 were identified.
Main outcome measures: Normal and low birth weight.
Results: The incidence of LBW was found to be 11.02%. Mothers younger than 20 years and ³35 years, short stature (£150 cm), late first antenatal visit and complications during pregnancy were significantly associated with LBW (p<0.001). However, parity showed a negative association with LBW.
Conclusion: Attention to nutritional education, early antenatal care interventions and strengthening of maternal and child health assists in combating LBW in the area.
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