Prevalence and Determinants of Low Birth Weight in Maseru, Lesotho

Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of low birth weight and factors that could be associated with low birth weight in a tertiary hospital in Maseru.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Queen Mamohato Memorial Hospital, Maseru, Lesotho, February to May, 2016.

Methods: The mothers who participated were 402 with age range of 15 to 48 years. The study included 412 newborns. Direct measurement of variables was complemented with questionnaire-derived data. There was re-categorization of primary variables. Associations between low birth weight and maternal and newborn characteristics were assessed with multiple logistic regression with a 95% confidence level.

Results: The prevalence of low birth weight was high at 25% out of the 412 newborns. Multivariate analysis suggested that multiple gestations POR=26.39 (95% CI 5.29-131.75), preterm delivery POR=11.64 (95% CI 5.88-23.04), use of unclean energy POR=6.14 (95% CI 2.72-13.85), hypertension POR=3.48 (95% CI 1.70-7.11), HIV POR=2.08 (95% CI 1.07-4.08) and a low paid job POR =2.35 (95% CI 1.08-5.10) were independently associated with low birth weight.

Conclusion: Preventing low birth weight could be addressed by early detection and prompt treatment of hypertension and human immunodeficiency virus infection, and by implementing strategies to prevent premature births.