Abstract
<title>Abstract</title> <p>Background Low birth weight (LBW) is associated with increased morbidity, mortality and multiple short and long-term complications, exerting impacts on the individual, the families, the community and the health care system. Fetal, maternal and environmental factors have been associated with LBW. This study set out to determine the associated risk factors and immediate outcome of low birth weight neonates at the Bafoussam Regional Hospital, Cameroon. Methods This was a hospital-based case- control study involving 260 neonates (130 cases and 130 controls) and their mothers from January 2020 – May 2020 using a consecutive sampling technique. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated using binary logistic regression to assess the association between determinants and LBW. Results Tertiary education was protective against LBW (AOR = 0.476, 95% CI 0.251–0.902, p = 0.023). Independent predictors of LBW (p < 0.05) were; women who were in the age group 30–40 years (AOR = 3.542, 95% CI = 0.866–14.495), unemployed (AOR = 2.691, 95% CI = 1.425–5.081), Not Educated (AOR = 5.513, 95% CI = 1.192–25.499), having a gynecological abnormality -Uterine fibroids, cervical incompetence (AOR = 4.373, 95% CI = 1.415–13.514), pregnancy induced hypertension (AOR = 5.944, 95% CI = 1.364–25.892) and multiple gestation (AOR = 4.421, 95% CI = 2.227–8.777). Prematurity and intrauterine growth restriction were major causes of LBW. Complications diagnosed were: jaundice infection, apneas, hypothermia, cerebral hemorrhage, gastrointestinal problems, hypocalcemia, hypoglycemia and umbilical hernia. We recorded 21.5% deaths due to: birth asphyxia (70%), respiratory distress (23.3%) and infection (6.7%). Conclusion This study has demonstrated that low socio-economic status, low literacy levels of mothers, lack of focused antenatal care were important indicators of LBW. Trial Registration Clinical trial number: not applicable</p>