Effect of Food Insecurity and Other Possible Factors Associated with Low Birth Weight Among Mothers Who Gave Birth to Live Newborns in West Ethiopia: A Facility-Based Unmatched Case–Control Study

Markos Desalegn, Bekana Terefe, Haile Bikila Department of Public Health, Institute of Health Science, Wollega University, Nekemte, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Markos DesalegnDepartment of Public Health, Institute of Health Science, Wollega University, Nekemte, EthiopiaTel +251927619190Email [email protected]: More than 20 million births annually in developing countries are classed as low birth weight, with short- and long-term consequences. Food insecurity is the major determinant of low birth weight in developing countries.Objective: This study aimed to identify the effects of food insecurity and other possible factors associated with low birth weight in West Wollega, West Ethiopia.Methods: This facility-based unmatched case–control study was conducted among mothers who gave birth to live newborns in randomly selected hospitals in West Wollega. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Collected data were coded and entered into Epi Info version 7.2.0.1 and analyzed by SPSS version 24. Adjusted odds ratios were used to identify predictors of low birth weight at a p-value less than 0.05.Results: The study indicated that the mother living in a food-insecure household (AOR [95% CI] = 2.9 [1.05– 8]), uneducated mother (AOR [95% CI] = 5 [1.8– 14]), birth interval of < 24 months (AOR [95% CI] = 4.6 [1.2– 18]), age at first birth of < 18 years (AOR [95% CI] = 4 [1.1– 15]), late initiation of antenatal care (ANC) (AOR [95% CI] = 4.4 [1.3– 15.7]), pregnancy-induced hypertension (AOR [95% CI] = 3.6 [1.03– 12.9]), and maternal mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) of < 23 cm (AOR [95% CI] = 11 [4– 35]) were predictors of low birth weight.Conclusion: Household food insecurity, a birth interval of < 24 months, age at first birth < 18 years, late initiation of first ANC, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and maternal MUAC of < 23 cm were predictors of low birth weight in this study. Early screening for medical and obstetric conditions, as well as maternal nutritional status and household food insecurity, is a key action needed to reduce low birth weight in this study area.Keywords: low birth weight, predictors, newborn, food insecurity