Nutrition, stress, and healthcare use during pregnancy are associated with low birth weight: evidence from a case–control study in West Ethiopia

Frontiers in Public Health

Public Health

Firehiwot Fentahun¹  Bikila Regassa Feyisa²  Bayise Biru³  Evan Atlantis⁴  Yosef Mulatu⁵ 

[1] Department of Public Health, Institute of Health Sciences, Wallaga University, Nekemte, Ethiopia;Department of Public Health, Institute of Health Sciences, Wallaga University, Nekemte, Ethiopia;Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia;Department of Public Health, Institute of Health Sciences, Wallaga University, Nekemte, Ethiopia;Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Public Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia;School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia;Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia;World Vision Ethiopia-Gulliso, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia;

关键词: low birth weight;    case–control;    maternal factors;    stress;    West Ethiopia;   

DOI  :  10.3389/fpubh.2023.1213291

 received in 2023-04-27, accepted in 2023-10-09,  发布年份 2023

来源: Frontiers

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundLow Birth Weight (LBW) remains a major public health concern globally, especially in lower and middle-income countries. In Ethiopia in general and in the study area in particular there is limited evidence regarding maternal factors associated with low birth weight. This study aimed to identify the maternal factors associated with low birth weight among neonates born in public health facilities in the west Wollega zone, West Ethiopia.MethodsWe used a case–control study design and selected participant mothers with a newborn using the delivery database from three public hospitals and five health centers, between March 2022 and April 2022. Cases were identified using a newborn birth weight of <2,500 grams. Controls were identified using a newborn birth weight of ≥2,500 grams. An interviewer-administered structured questionnaire and chart review were used for data collection. Model fitness was assessed by Hosmer and Lemenshow goodness-of-fit test, including multi-collinearity checks. Candidate predictor variables were selected (using a value of p <0.25 in bivariable logistic regression models) for multivariable logistic regression to quantify the association between independent variables and LBW, expressed using Odds Ratios (OR) with a 95% Confidence Interval (CI). Mean and Standard Deviation (SD), all such values.ResultsA total of 324 mothers with their newborns (81 cases and 243 controls) were eligible for inclusion. The mean age of participants was 27.9 years (SD 6.4) in cases and 25 years (SD 3.9) in controls. Mean birth weight was 2,128 grams (SD 1,697) in cases and 2,988 grams (SD 378) in controls. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, lack of nutritional counseling (OR = 2.4; 95%CI: 1.24–4.72), maternal middle upper arm circumference of <23 cm (OR = 3.1; 95%CI: 1.64–5.91), maternal stress during pregnancy (OR = 2.8; 95% CI:1.23–6.36), and antenatal follow up less than four visits (OR = 2.8; 95% CI: 1.12–6.82) were independently associated with LBW.ConclusionIn this study, lack of nutritional counseling, maternal undernutrition, maternal stress during pregnancy, and antenatal follow-up visits less than recommended were associated with LBW. Special attention should be given to promoting antenatal care and counseling mothers on nutrition and relaxation to prevent stress during pregnancy.

【 授权许可】

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Copyright © 2023 Feyisa, Mulatu, Fentahun, Biru and Atlantis.