Prevalence and determinants of low birth weight: the situation in a traditional birth home in Benin City, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND

The traditional birth attendant delivers majority of pregnant women in Nigeria.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed at determining the prevalence and associated risk factors for delivery of low birth weight (LBW) neonates in a Traditional Birth Home (TBH)in Benin City, Nigeria.

METHODS

A total of 780 pregnant women who received ante-natal care at a TBH and live singletons born to them were recruited for this study. Venous blood was collected from all pregnant women at onset of labour, and haemogblobin concentration determined using standard method.

RESULTS

The prevalence of low birth weight was 6.3%, and was significantly affected by maternal age (P =0.039), gestational age (P=0.019), maternal height (P = 0.001), marital status (P = 0.015), and time of registration (P = 0.016). Being in a polygamous union, was significantly associated with the prevalence of LBW (OR = 13.640; 95%CI: = 6.148, 30.261; P = < 0.0001). Maternal anaemia was identified as a risk factor for the delivering of LBW neonates (OR = 2.797; 95% CI = 1.555, 5.029; P = 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of low birth weight was 6.3%. Intervention by appropriate agencies is advocated to reduce LBW in TBHs in Nigeria.