Prevalence and factors associated with low birth weight among women with short interpregnancy interval delivering at Kawempe National Referral Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: According to many studies, neonates born to pregnant women with Short Interpregnancy Interval (SIPI) are at higher risk of adverse perinatal outcomes like Low birth weight LBW, prematurity, birth asphyxia. We determined the prevalence of LBW and various factors contributing to LBW deliveries among women with SIPI in a high-volume facility. Methodology: This study was a facility- based cross sectional study carried out at labor-suite, ANC inpatient and Postnatal wards at KNRH using a consecutive sampling method to enroll 287 consenting participants. Data was collected using a pretested questionnaire. Data was entered electronically using Kobo Toolbox 4.1.1.1. Data Descriptive analysis was done to determine prevalence while bivariate and multivariate analysis was done to determine factors associated with LBW among the study participants using STATA. Results: The prevalence of LBW among the study participants was 37.6%. The average IPI of the participants was 9 months. Factors associated with LBW among the study participants were rural residence (aPR=1.67,95% CI =1.06 – 2.64, P=0.028) and maternal BMI. The odds of having LBW in SIPI were significantly higher among women considered underweight (aPR=2.19, 95% CI: 1.05 – 4.62), normal weight (aPR=1.51, 95% CI: 1.12 – 2.02), overweight (aPR=1.24, 95% CI: 1.08 – 1.43) when compared to those who were obese. Conclusion and recommendation: The study found a high prevalence of LBW among study participants especially among those residing in rural areas. Therefore, health education talks about risks of LBW among women with SIPI attending ANC should be emphasized.