Determinants of birth weight in Uganda, a potential for reduction of infant mortality rates.
Abstract
This report examines the determinants of birth-weight in Uganda using cross sectional data of the
Demographic and Health Survey 2011. It identifies the main determinants in relation to the
circumstances surrounding the time of the mother’s pregnancy. The report examines the hypothesis
that birth-weight is at least partly influenced but not limited to mother’s age, smoking status,
attendance of Ante-natal Care (ANC), birth order, education level and residence status. The study
notes birth-weight differences, which are largely attributed to the mother’s characteristics. The
findings point to the importance of strengthening the capacities of administrative data collection
to better and accurately measure incidences of low birth-weight in Uganda. The findings further
emphasize the significance of improving socio-economic characteristics of the mother to reduce
low birth weight in the country.