Determinants of Low birthweight and Preterm Delivery in the Volta Region of Ghana: Evidence from birth records

Abstract

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p><jats:bold>Background:</jats:bold>Low birthweight and preterm delivery are birth outcomes that can predict the survival, development and long-term health outcomes of newborns. Though advances in medical research have improved birth outcomes these birth outcomes still remain issues of public health concern. This study assessed the determinants of low birthweight and preterm delivery in the Volta region of Ghana.<jats:bold>Methods:</jats:bold>This retrospective cross-sectional study analyzed data from 680 birth records of all deliveries between October and December, 2018 at the Ho Teaching Hospital in the Volta Region of Ghana. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to predict determinants of low birthweight and preterm delivery using Stata MP/16.0.<jats:bold>Results:</jats:bold>Overall, the prevalence of low birthweight was 12.9% and that of preterm delivery was 14.1%. Increasing maternal age (AOR: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.28-0.98), multiparity (AOR: 0.54; 95% CI: 0.30-0.94) and increasing doses of Sulphadoxine pyrimethamine (AOR: 0.43; 95% CI: 0.22-0.84) significantly reduced the odds of low birthweight. However, delivery through caesarean section (AOR: 1.94; 95% CI: 0.1.16-3.27) and hypertension (AOR: 2.06; 95% CI: 1.27-03.33) significantly increased the likelihood of low birthweight. Increasing number of antenatal care visits (AOR: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.18-0.80) and doses of Sulphadoxine pyrimethamine (AOR: 0.43; 95% CI: 0.19-0.97) were significantly associated with decreased odds of preterm delivery while delivery through caesarean section increased the odds of preterm delivery by 2 folds (AOR: 2.14; 95% CI: 1.15-3.99). <jats:bold>Conclusion:</jats:bold>This study shows maternal age, parity, number of ANC visits, hypertension, SP/IPTp and caesarean section were independent determinants of low birthweight and preterm delivery. These findings add up to literature on the determinants of these adverse birth outcomes particularly in resource-limited environments. Furthermore, this study could serve as a foundation for further research in the study area and for developing public health interventions geared towards reducing the risk and complications of these birth outcomes.</jats:p>