Introduction: Low birth weight (LBW) is birth weight less than 2.5 kg regardless of gestational age. The prevalence of low birth weight in developing countries is 16.5%. And it will help policy makers, health system planners, health care managers, and clinicians to perform evidence-based work and also help to contribute its own role to the achievement of World Health Organization goals by 2025. This study aims to assess low birth weight and its associated factors during the era of COVID 19 at Assosa General Hospital. Method: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from December 01, 2020 to February 01, 2021 at Assosa General Hospital. A total of 335 samples were selected. Allocation was performed using the systematic random sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire through interview and chart reviewing. It’s checked for completeness and consistency. Then entered into Epi-Info and analyzed by using SPSS software version 22. First, descriptive analysis was carried out then, bivariate analysis was used to identify variables with p value of less than 0.25. Variables with p value < 0.25 were entered into multivariate logistic regression analysis was used and confounding effect was controlled. Finally, those variables with p-value < 0.05 were identified as significant determinants of LBW. Result: The response rate of this research was 100%. Based on this study, the prevalence of LBW was 11%. Variables like no antenatal care [(AOR = 9;95% CI 1.2 –66)], fear of COVID19 is reason for Missed ANC follow up [(AOR = 9;95% CI 1.2 –66)] and type of pregnancy [(AOR = 6.35;95% CI 1.7 – 23)] were identified as significant factors for this study. Conclusion: and Recommendations: The prevalence of LBW in the era of COVID 19 was 11%. The associated factors of low birth weight are no antenatal care visit (ANC) during pregnancy and pregnancy type. So, concerned bodies were recommended to do more and more on ANC follow-up.
Low Birthweight and its Associated Factors During the Era of COVID 19 at Assosa General Hospital, Western Ethiopia, 2020