Factors Correlate with Low Birth Weight in Ghana

Aim: The aim of the paper was to assess factors associated with low birth weight in Ghana.

Study Design: The study applied a cross-sectional population-based study design.

Place and Duration of Study: The study used data from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2011 of Ghana.

Methodology: The dependent variable was birth weight and the independent variables were selected maternal factors (age, ever attended school, currently married or living with a man, wealth quintile, area, region, delivered by caesarean section, times received antenatal care, took medicine to prevent malaria and parity). Binary logistic regression model was generated to assess factors associated with low birth weight among mothers. Statistical Product for Service Solutions (SPSS) version 20 was used for the data processing and analysis.

Results: Mothers who had never attended school (OR = 0.566, 95% C.I. = 0.349 – 0.919) were less likely to have children with low birth weight, and those not in union (OR = 1.698, 95% C.I. = 0.993 – 2.905) had a higher likelihood of giving birth to children with low birth weight.

Conclusion: Maternal factors such as educational status and marital status can influence the birth weight of a child in the country. Prenatal programmes, especially on nutrition and counselling, should be designed targeting sub-groups of women who are at risk of delivering babies with low birth weight.