Determinants of Low Birth Weight among Infants Born at Gabiley General Hospital, Gabiley District, Western Somaliland: Unmatched Case-Control Study

Abstract

Background: Low birth weight (LBW) remains a major public health concern worldwide with a disproportionately high burden in low and middle-income countries. However, no published research has been done to identify the factors contributing to low birth weight in the Gabiley district in Western Somaliland. Therefore, this study assessed the determinants for low birth weight in infants born at Gabiley General Hospital.

Methods: A facility-based unmatched case-control study was employed from July 1 to August 31, 2022, at Gabiley General Hospital Somaliland. A total of 291 mothers-newborn pairs were included in the study of which 97 were cases and 194 were controls. Data were collected using a structured and pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed by SPSS software. Logistic regression was conducted to identify determinant and statistical sig­nificance declared at a p< 0.05.

Results: A total of 291 mothers-newborn pairs (97 cases and 194 controls) were included in the study making the response rate 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), a 1^st -trimester hemoglobin level of <11g/dl (AOR=1.93; 95% CI: 1.06,3.50), meal frequency of two times and three times per day  (AOR=4.70; 95% CI: 1.38,15.97), (AOR=4.47; 95% CI: 1.50,13.34) and mid-upper arm circumference <23cm (AOR=4.04; 95% CI: 2.19,7.45)  were the factors significantly associated with low birth weight.

Conclusions: Factors such as gestational age, previous history of low birth weight, anemia in the first trimester, meal frequency during pregnancy, and maternal mid-upper arm circumference were identified to be associated with low birth weight. Therefore, it is recommended that healthcare providers prioritize screening for hemoglobin levels in the first trimester, encourage using iron and folic acid supplements, and offer nutritional guidance and support.

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