Factors Affecting Birth Weight of Newborns Among Neonates Born at Debre Markos Referral Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia
Abstract Background : The weight of an infant at birth matters since it is a reliable reflection of intrauterine growth. Low birth weight remains to be a leading cause of neonatal death and is a major contributor to infant and under-five mortality. Reducing infant mortality is a global priority which is particularly relevant in developing countries including Ethiopia. To do this, preventing the risk of low birth weight and improving birth weight remains essential. However, measuring weight at birth and documenting the toll of low birth weight with its various factors in Ethiopia is not well. studied. Hence, the main aim of this study was to determine prevalence and identify factors affecting birth weight of newborns born at Debre Markos Referral Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods : An institutional based cross-sectional study was employed among mothers who gave a live birth neonate at Debre Markos Referral Hospital from January 01 to February 30. A total of 227 mother-newbor