Abstract:
Introduction: Growth failure at birth, shown by low birth weight and small size for gestational
age, is a serious public health problem that increases the risk of newborn illness, death, and long
term developmental issues. However, there have been few studies addressing this issue in the West
Harerghe Zone, Oromia.
Objectives: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of growth failure at birth and to identify
associated factors among newborns delivered at public hospitals in West Harerghe, Oromia,
Ethiopia, from February 5 to March 30, 2025.
Methods and Materials: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 387
neonates born at randomly selected public hospitals in West Harerghe Zone, Oromia region, from
February 5 to March 30, 2025. Participants were selected using systematic random sampling
technique. Data were collected using the KoBoTool mobile application and data analysis was
performed using SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics was employed to summarize the data, and
multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with growth failure at
birth, by estimating AOR with 95% confidence intervals (CI) calculated and statistical significance
set at p < 0.05.
Results: The prevalence of growth failure at birth was 28.2 % (95% CI: 23.8, 33.1). Newborns
from food-insecure households (AOR = 4.5; 95% CI: 1.7–11.7), mothers who had a mid-upper
arm circumference (MUAC) less than 23 cm (AOR = 3.2; 95% CI: 1.1–9.5), and maternal age 20
34 (AOR = 6.5; 95% CI: 2.3-18.8) were significant associated factors with growth failure at birth
Conclusion and recommendation: More than one in four newborns in the study area experienced
growth failure at birth, highlighting it as a significant public health issue. Maternal nutritional
status and household food security were identified as key contributing factors. Therefore, targeted
nutritional support for pregnant women and improved food security are essential to mitigate this
problem.
