Modeling Determinants of Low Birth Weight for Under Five-Children in Ethiopia

Low birth weight (LBW) is a major determinant of morbidity, mortality and disability in infancy and childhood and has a long-term impact on health outcomes in adult life. This study was aimed to model LBW using marginal and generalized linear mixed models as well as identify the potential risk factors of LBW in Ethiopia. Data was taken from the 2011 Ethiopian demographic and health survey, which is a nationally representative survey of children in the 0–59 month age groups. Two model families, generalized estimating equation and alternating logistic regression models from marginal model family, and generalized linear mixed model from cluster specific model family were used for the analysis. The result showed that 34.8% of children were born with LBW. Alternating logistic regression model was best fits the data for population-averaged effects of the given factors on birth weight than generalized estimating equation model. Generalized linear mixed model with two random intercepts was the best model to evaluate within and between regional heterogeneity of birth weight. Both the best-fitted models gave the same conclusion that sex, wealth status, age, antenatal care, marital status, vaccination, anemia and mother education level were the determinant factors of LBW. This study contributes to the understanding of the individual and collective effect of maternal, socio-economic and child related factors influencing infant birth weight in Ethiopia.