Factors predisposing to low birth weight in Jimma Hospital South Western Ethiopia

Background: Low birth weight continues to remain a major public health problem in Ethiopia in contrast to what is observed in many developing countries. Objectives: To assess some of the predisposing factors to low birth weight among deliveries in Jimma hospital. Design: Cross-sectional case referent study. Setting: Maternal and child health clinic and maternity ward of Jimma University Hospital, Ethiopia. Subjects: One hundred and forty seven mothers who gave birth to low birth weight (LBW) babies between June 1999 and July 2000 were identified.Main outcome measures: Normal and low birth weight. Results: The incidence of LBW was found to be 11.02%. Mothers younger than 20 years and ≥35 years, short stature (≥150 cm), late first antenatal visit and complications during pregnancy were significantly associated with LBW (