Nutritional and prenatal care factors associated with low birth weight among full-term infants in public hospitals of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Low birth weight (LBW), defined as birth weight less than 2500 g regardless of gestational age, remains a pressing global health issue. It significantly contributes to neonatal mortality (60-80% of deaths), developmental delays and increased risk of chronic diseases in adulthood. Despite interventions, LBW remains prevalent in Ethiopia. This study aimed to identify the key risk factors for LBW in public hospitals in Addis Ababa, with a focus on maternal nutrition and prenatal care two underexplored but modifiable determinants: maternal nutrition and prenatal care.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 using data from 722 mothers selected via simple random sampling across four public hospitals in Addis Ababa. Birth weight was categorised into low an

SUBMITTER: Aga MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12323510 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature