Prevalence and factors associated with low birth weight among newborns in South Sudan

Background: WHO estimates that that 13% of babies are delivered low birth weight in Sub-Saharan Africa. Infants with LBWhave a twenty times greater risk of dying than infants weighing more than 2500 grams. The neonatal mortality rates in SouthSudan is 40 per 1000 live births. LBW significantly contributes to neonatal mortality rates. Objectives: The study aimed at determining the prevalence and factors associated with LBW among newborns. Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted at three hospitals. Completed data on all live births was collectedusing a structured questionnaire. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied for factors associated withLBW. Adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was applied and a P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: We retrieved records of 11845 birth cohorts. The prevalence of LBW among newborns was 11.4%. The prevalenceof LBW at Aweil, Juba and Bor was 13.3%, 9.8% and 8.8% respectively. Maternal age less than 20 years and 35 years and above,multigravidity, GA < 37 weeks, male sex and multiple pregnancy were significantly associated with LBW. Conclusion: The prevalence of LBW in infants was 11.4%. Associated factors were, maternal age, GA < 37 weeks, multigravidity,male sex and multiple pregnancy. Keywords: Low birth weight; improve birth outcomes; multivariate logistic regression analysis.