Some factors associated with birth weight in Jima, southwestern Ethiopia

A retrospective analysis of factors associated with the birth weights of 1707 singleton live births in Jima Hospital, Southwestern Ethiopia was carried out from Sept. 30, 1986 to August 31, 1988. The mean birth weight was 3183.0 grams (+/- 25.0 grams with 95% confidence); and the incidence of low birth weight was 12.3%. The use of multiple linear regression analysis determined significant independent effects of residence, parity, and sex of the baby on birth weight, while maternal age alone was not significantly (P greater than 0.05) related to birth weight. It is suggested that proper recording and analysis of birth weights be practised, as they are useful in monitoring maternal and child health.