Patterns of Postnatal Weight Gain and Its Predictors Among Preterm Very Low Birth Weight Neonates Born in Bahir-Dar City Public Hospitals, 2022: A Cross Sectional Study

Overview

Journal PLoS One

Specialties General Medicine
Science

Date 2025 Feb 12

PMID 39937722

Authors

Yihenew Ayehu Dessie

Worku Abemie

Elda Mekonnen Nigussie

Bethelehem Taye Mengistu

Leweyehu Alemaw Mengstie

Bekahegn Girma

Solomon Hailemeskel

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Introduction: Postnatal weight gain in very low birth weight infants remains a challenge during the neonatal period in low and middle-income countries like Ethiopia, where no feeding alternatives and follow-up charts are available. Although extrauterine growth retardation is a common problem in preterm very low birth weight infants, there is a lack of evidence in resource-limited countries regarding patterns of postnatal weight gain. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the patterns of postnatal weight gain and its predictors among preterm very low birth weight infants in Ethiopia.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a randomly selected sample of 412 neonates in Ethiopia. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed with Stata version 14.0 software. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify significant predictors. Model fitness and assumptions were assessed. Associations were reported using adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals.

Results: In the current study, 14.6% (95% CI: 10.4-20.1) of neonates had adequate postnatal weight gain at discharge. Spontaneous vaginal delivery [AOR: 2.54; 95% CI (1.17, 5.54)], birth Z-score > -1.29 [AOR: 4.51; 95% CI (1.43, 14.16)], early feeding initiation time [AOR: 3.36; 95% CI (1.63, 6.92)], and respiratory distress syndrome [AOR: 0.31; 95% CI (0.12, 0.78)] were significant predictors for postnatal weight gain among very low birth weight neonates in Ethiopia.

Conclusion: The postnatal weight gain reported in this study was low as compared to the national figure. Mode of delivery, birth z-score, initiation time of the first feeding, and respiratory distress syndrome were associated with postnatal weight gain. The Federal Ministry of Health, stakeholders, national neonatal associations, and non-governmental organizations should work collaboratively to promote vaginal delivery and early initiation of feeding and develop guidelines specifically tailored for this special population. Furthermore, healthcare providers should prioritize and focus on neonates who have respiratory distress and low Z-scores.

Citing Articles

Time to regain birth weight and its predictors among preterm neonates admitted at neonatal intensive care unit in Amhara Regional State Comprehensive Specialized Hospitals, Ethiopia: retrospective follow up study.

Tigabu D, Demissew T, Misganaw T, Gessesse A, Baye F, Gezie H BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2025; 25(1):247.

PMID: 40055677 PMC: 11887168. DOI: 10.1186/s12884-025-07333-5.

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