article · BMC Research Notes
Low birth weight affects millions of infants worldwide and carries significant risks of adverse health complications. A cohort study involving 420 mothers evaluated the determinants and perinatal outcomes of low birth weight infants at a specialised hospital in southern Ethiopia. The incidence of low birth weight among the cohort was 16.6 per cent, with an average neonatal birth weight of 3,360 grams. Key risk factors that significantly heightened the likelihood of low birth weight included prematurity, maternal hypertensive disorders, fewer than four antenatal care visits, and a history of previous abortions. Furthermore, infants born with low birth weight faced substantially higher risks of poor outcomes, notably low Apgar scores and early neonatal death. Improving targeted care for high-risk pregnancies and integrating mental healthcare into routine prenatal visits were highlighted as vital strategies to mitigate these risks.
Low birth weight remains a critical contributor to infant mortality and ongoing health complications. Identifying local clinical determinants allows healthcare providers to prioritise interventions for vulnerable pregnant women. Recognising factors such as maternal hypertension and insufficient antenatal check-ups helps clinicians target monitoring, potentially reducing adverse outcomes like early neonatal death and improving newborn survival rates.
The abstract does not indicate an application pathway.
AI-generated from the published abstract. Always read the original work before citing.
OBJECTIVE: Globally an estimated 15% to 20% of all births are low birth weight, representing more than 20 million births a year. Low birth weights are at a greater risk of both short and long-term sequels. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess determinants and perinatal outcomes of low birth weight newborns delivered in Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Southern Ethiopia. RESULTS: A total of 420 mothers were included in the study with a response rate of 97%. The mean birth weights of the neonate were 3360 (± 870 SD) grams and the incidence of low birth weight was found to be 16.6% (95% CI 13.46-18.38). Previous abortion [RR = 1.87 (2.53, 12.5)], hypertensive disorder [RR = 4.59 (4.93, 42.7)], having < 4 antenatal visits [RR = 3.45 (2.35, 13.8)] and prematurity [RR = 18.2 (6.24, 34.5)] was increased the risk of low birth weight. Low birth weight neonates were associated with a low Apgar score [RR = 18.2 (6.24, 34.5)] and early neonatal death [RR = 18.2 (6.24, 34.5)]. For this, identifying populations at the greatest risk of previous abortion, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and prematurity were the major priorities aimed at reducing low birth weight. Incorporate mental health in the prenatal visit, improving the care for a high-risk pregnant woman was also recommended.
This page summarises published work. The authoritative version sits with the publisher.
DOI: 10.1186/s13104-019-4155-x
Is something wrong with this record? Report it or request removal.
Discussion
Have you built on this work, tried to replicate it, or seen it applied in practice? Share what you know. Verified researchers and MARATTO™ domain experts can open a discussion, and any member can reply. Contributions are reviewed before they appear.
No discussion yet. Open the first thread.
New to MARATTO™? Create a free account.
