DEPART

MENT OF NURSING AND MIDWIFERY

DIPLOMA IN NURSING AND MIDWIFERY

RESEARCH TITLE:

ASSESSMENT ON KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE TOWARDS LOW BIRTH

WEIGHT AMONG WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE A CASE OF BUZURUGA
HEALTH CENTER IN ILEMELA MANICIPARITY.

ORDINARY DIPLOMA IN NURSING AND MIDWIFERY

BY
AUTHOR: ZOGWE KAMUGA KALABA.

CANDIDATE NO: TH/NMT/L6/21B/025.

RESEARCH SUPERVISOR’S NAME

SIR. ISAYA MAOMBI.

2022

RESEARCH REPORT SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT FOR THE

REQUIREMENTS OF THE AWARD OF ORDINARY DIPLOMA NURSING AND
MIDWIFERY NTAL LEVEL 6
SUBMISSION DATE:FEBRUARY/2022.

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 DECLARATION
I,Zogwe Kamuga Kalaba declare that this Research Report entitled “Assessment On Knowledge
And Attitude Towards Low Birth Weight Among Women Of Reproductive Age; a case of
buzuruga health centre in Ilemela municipality” is my own work carried out under the
supervision and guidance of Mr.Maombi, and that all sources that I have used quoted have been
indicated and acknowledge by references.

Zogwe kamuga kalaba

……………………… …………………………….
(Signature) (Date)

2
 CERTIFICATION

The undersigned has read and hereby recommend for acceptance by Tandabui Institute of Health
Science &Technology the Research Report entitled “Assessment On Knowledge And Attitude
Towards Low Birth Weight Among Women Of Reproductive Age A Case Of Buzuruga Health
Center In Ilemela Municipality.
” in fulfillment of the requirements for the award of Ordinary Diploma in Nursing and
Midwifery of Tandabui Institute of Health Science &Technology.

Isaya maombi.

……………………… …………………………….

Signature Date

3
 COPYRIGHT
No part of this Research Report may be reproduced, stored in any retrival system or transmitted
in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical or otherwise without prior authorized
permission of the Author or Tandabui Institute of Health Science &Technology

4
 ABSTRACT

The study on assessing knowledge and attitude towards low birth weight among women of
reproductive age at buzuruga health center in Ilemela municipality. Low birth weight (LBW) is an
important indicator of newborn survival. It is associated with higher risk of morbidity, mortality,
and long term health consequences. Little has been done on incidence and recurrence risk of
LBW in developing countries including Tanzania; hence LBW is defined as the newborn weight
at birth less than 2500 grams regardless of gestation age.

Specifically, the study will focus to; i) Assess the factors contributing to low birth weight among
women of reproductive age ii) To determine the ways of preventing low birth weight among women
of reproductive age women iii) To investigate the availability and accessibility of services to
pregnant women.

Methods that will be applied by a researcher in the field will include observation and interview that
will be used to acquire both primary and secondary data in the study area.

Tools to be applied will include self-administered questionnaire, checklist and note book. A total of
13 mothers and 2 Key Informants will be studied in the field using questionnaire and checklist.
Data will be processed and analyzed using calculator and MS Word into required information.
The study findings will be shown at the end after the research conducted where the conclusion and
recommendation will be given basing on the field findings by a researcher in the study area.

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I sincerely thank the Almighty God who protected me and gave me strength throughout my study
preparation, during research undertaking, compiling until submitting this dissertation to the
Institute of rural development Planning.

I give my sincere appreciation to Tandabui Institute of Health Science &Technology for the
knowledge and skills they have impacted in me as a student. I know it is their effort that has
made me to be all that I would be, and I would like to share with them the success I have found
in my studies with them

My heartfelt appreciation goes to my research supervisor Mr .isaya maombi, A Tutor at TIHEST

who tirelessly continued to guide and provide me with very useful feedback at various stages in
preparing this Research Report. Additionally, I would also like to appreciate , Sir Kilela and the
HOD Madam E. Nyakiha for their tireless effort and continued trust in me, which have
contribute a lot in reaching this stage.

Lastly, I would like to give my special thanks to my and financial support, care and concern to
me throughout my studies. Specials thanks goes as well to my Parents, Mr. & Mrs.kamuga
kalaba for their honest support throughout in my studies. And finally my special thanks goes to
my beloved friends and class mates Miss magati amosi Nicola marigwe and james masome for
their cooperation and encouragement until accomplishing this research Report.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABSTRACT .................................................................................................................................... i
ACKNOWLEDGMENT................................................................................................................. ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................................... iii
LIST OF APPENDICES ................................................................................................................. v
LIST OF ABREVEATIONS ......................................................................................................... vi
DEFINITION OF KEY TERMS .................................................................................................. vii
CHAPTER ONE ............................................................................................................................. 1
1.0 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Background Information ........................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Problem Statement .................................................................................................................... 2
1.3 Significance of the study ........................................................................................................... 4
1.4 Research Objectives .................................................................................................................. 4
1.4.1 Broad Objectives .................................................................................................................... 4
1.4.2 Specific Objectives ................................................................................................................ 4
1.5 Research Questions ................................................................................................................... 5
1.6 Limitation of the Study ............................................................................................................. 5
CHAPTER TWO ............................................................................................................................ 6
2.0 LITERATURES REVIEW ....................................................................................................... 6
2.1 Theoretical and Empirical Review............................................................................................ 6
CHAPTER THREE ........................................................................................................................ 9
3.0 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY.............................................................................................. 9
3.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 9
3.2 Study Area/Setting .................................................................................................................... 9
3.3 Research Design........................................................................................................................ 9
3.4 Study Population ....................................................................................................................... 9
3.5 Sampling Design ....................................................................................................................... 9
3.6 Data collection Methods ......................................................................................................... 10
3.7 Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria ............................................................................................. 10
3.8 Data Processing ....................................................................................................................... 10
3.9 Data Analysis .......................................................................................................................... 11

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3.10 Ethical Considerations .......................................................................................................... 11

3.11 Limitation of the Study ......................................................................................................... 11

References ..................................................................................................................................... 12
LISTS OF APPENDICES..................................................................................................................................................... 13

LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix 1: Work Plan ................................................................................................................ 13

Appendix 2: Research Budget ...................................................................................................... 14

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Appendix 3: Questionnaire (English Version) .............................................................................. 15
Appendix 4: Dodoso (Swahili Version) ........................................................................................ 16
Appendix 5: Permission Letter for Data Collection ................................................................. 17

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 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

LBW ; low birth weight

VLBW : very low birth weight

ELBW : extremely low birth weight

PROM : pre rupture of membrane

NCDs : non communicable diseases

IUGR : intrauterine growth restriction

ANC : antenatal clinic

BHC ; Buzuruga health center

RCH : reproductive children health

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 DEFINITION OF TERMS
LBW ; is a baby born with weight less than 2500g regardless of gestation age.

ELBW ; is the baby born with weight less 1000g regardless of gestation age

VLBW ; is the baby born with weight less than 1500g regardless of gestation age

PROM ; is the early rupture of membrane before 18 hours of delivery

IUGR ; is a rate of fetal growth that is less than normal for the population and for the
growth potential of a specific baby.

Neonate : refers to a new born baby especially one that is less than one month (WHO,
2014).

Antenatal : during or relating to pregnancy

Morbidity ; Rate of spread of infection

Mortality ; Number of death in the population NEONATAL New born baby under one
month.

Antibiotics ; A group of drugs used to destroy or inhibit the growth of micro-organisms

Bacteria ; A group of micro-organisms that can cause infection

ENVIRONMENT ; is a surrounding which influence or affect organism that cause infection to

the pregnant mothers which can lead to deliver babies with low birth weight.

PATHOGENIC ;a disease causing organisms which can cause infection to pregnant mother as
the result lead them to deliver babies with low birth weight.

Exclusive breastfeeding: refers to when infants are not given any other food or liquid including
water during the first six months after delivery (WHO, 2015)

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 CHAPTER ONE: 1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background Of The Problem

Low birth weight (LBW) is an important indicator of newborn survival. It is associated with
higher risk of morbidity, mortality, and long term health consequences. Little has been done on
incidence and recurrence risk of LBW in developing countries including Tanzania. This study
aimed to determine the incidence and recurrence risk of LBW among women of Buzuruga health
center in Mwanza Region in Tanzania. The study done by World Health Organization (2015)
explained that, Low birth weight constitutes a major public health problem worldwide, and is one
of the determinants of neonatal and infant death. According to LBW baby is referred as infants
born with weight of less than 2500 grams. They are classified into two groups depending on their
weight: very low birth weight (VLBW), (newborns weighing 500 to 1499 grams), and
moderately low birth weight (MLBW), (newborns weighing 1500 to 2499 grams. Low birth
weight is a result of preterm birth, impaired fetal growth (intrauterine growth restriction), or a
combination of both pathophysiologic conditions. Preterm birth refers to cases when the
gestational age of the fetus is less than 37 weeks; intrauterine growth restriction refers to cases of
birth weight below the 10th percentile for gestational age. Preterm birth is considered to be more
important in affecting infant mortality rates. The study done by World Health Organization
(2015) Studies in sub saran country showed that LBW affects children’s health even beyond their
first year of life. The most common medical conditions found in LBW children after the first
year of life are asthma, upper and lower respiratory infections, and ear infections.
The study done by Hack, M., Weissman, B., Breslau, N., et al. 2013; in their Journal of Pediatrics
Health of very low birth weight explained that, “compared to the children born with a normal birth
weight, the LBW children are more often hospitalized for different medical conditions and
surgeries related to adenoids, tonsils, and orthopedic problems.

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1.2 Problem Statement

Low Birth Weight (LBW) Is one among the causes of morbidity and mortality to children most
in their first year of life, after this age and even in their entire life. This study aims on assessing
the knowledge and attitude of mothers towards factors contributing to low birth weight because
of increasing infant morbidity and mortality rate to community at Buzuruga health center in
mwanza regional.

LBW is defined as the newborn weight at birth less than 2500 grams regardless of gestation age.
It is an important indicator for newborn survival. LBW may result from prematurity or
intrauterine growth retardation or both. It has estimated that 15% to 20% of all births worldwide
are low birth weight, which corresponds to more than 20 million births a year.

Numerous factors have been associated with increased risk of LBW. These include
preeclampsia, eclampsia , placental abruption and placenta Previa , also pre mature rupture of
membrane , maternal illness during pregnancy , high parity, low maternal education , poor
nutrition, smoking during pregnancy, low maternal body index (BMI) ,inadequate prenatal
attendance and medical condition such us HIV positive status of the mother and maternal
anemia, environmental factors as well as genetic factors like history of mother having been born
with LBW and history of LBW in prior pregnancies.

The risk of LBW has been reported to recur between pregnancies. Women with previous history
of LBW have reported as potential carriers of the recurrent risk and tend to have higher
recurrence risk of LBW in their subsequent pregnancy compared to those who had a previous
normal birth weight baby, Understanding the recurrence risk of LBW and associated factors may
help to design a focused intervention for groups of mothers at high risk of LBW recurrence. This
study aimed to determine the incidence and recurrence risk of LBW among women at Buzuruga
health center in mwanza regional Tanzania.

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Incidence.50% of preterm are low birth weight baby,80% of neonatal death and 50% of infant
mortality are due to LBW

Higher incidence of LBW babies in Tanzania is due to higher number of babies with IUGR
rather than preterm,About 10% of all LBW babies require admission to the NICU.

A LBW is any infant with birth weight <2.5 kg irrespective of gestation and includes……

Extremely preterm (< 28 weeks of gestation),Very preterm (<28-32 weeks of gestation)

Moderate low preterm (32-37)

Even though born early their intrauterine growth may be normal according to the gestation.

Give good care, these babies catch up good growth and by 2-3 years of age will be of normal
size.

1.3 Significance Of The Study

This study will provide information on how these contributing factors can be prevented. Further
recommendation from the finding will be useful in designing effective intervention strategies of low
birth weight prevention to pregnant women.

Also, this study is used as the source of information from the community for those who are
intended to do the research relating to the factors contributing to Low Birth Weight.

1.4 Research Objectives

1.4.1. Broad Objective.
The goal of this study is to assess the knowledge and attitude of mothers attending at buzuruga
health center RCH toward the factors contributing to LBW babies.
1.4.2. Specific Objectives.
i) To explore the knowledge of the mothers attending to buzuruga health center RCH on the
factors contributing to Low Birth Weight.
ii) To assess the attitude of the mothers attending to buzuruga RCH on the factors
contributing to Low Birth Weight.
iii) To determine knowledge of mothers towards low birth weight to the newborn.

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 1.5 Research Questions.
i) Are the mothers have knowledge on the factors contributing to LBW?
ii) What are the contributing factors cause to low birth weight to pregnant women?
iii) Are the mothers have attitude toward the factors contributing to LBW?
iv) 4.what measures should be taken to prevent low birth weight to pregnancy mother at
buzuruga health center?

1.6 Research Hypothesis

i) Mothers with the knowledge on factors contributing to LBW has low risk of having low
birth weight babies.
ii) Positive attitudes toward factors contributing to LBW is a means for increasing
awareness and prevention to low birth weight babies.

1.7 Purpose of the Study.

The aim of this study is to provide health personnel with evidence based, up-to-date information
about the knowledge of the mothers on factors contributing to LBW in situations that are likely
to be encountered in medical facilities and training health providers on the
Factors contributing to LBW and identifying Attitudes of women toward factors contributing to
LBW that can improve measures to be taken to reduce the incidence of LBW cases.

1.8 Rationale of This Study

The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of mothers at Buzuga RCH on the factors
contributing to Low Birth Weight and their attitude.

The finding of this study are used to the health care providers to generate a plan on Health
promotion and Education provision to the society concerning the factors contributing to LBW
hence it may reduce its incidence and to minimize the number of morbidity and mortality
association with LBW among infants.

1.9 Limitation Of The Study

The study will be conducted in small geographical area, hence limiting the study findings
Additionally the time of conducting research project will not be enough and a limited sample
size only 25 respondents which would be inadequate due to time factor

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 CHAPTER TWO:

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Introduction

2.2Theoretical and Empirical Review

The complication of low birth weight has become a large cause of increased child morbidity
and mortality rate around the world. : The Kesehatan Republik Indonesia (2008) reported that,
The LBW was the second main causes of early neonatal mortality in Indonesia, after respiratory
disorders. Also the Lopez, N.B. and Choonara, I. (2010) reported that, LBW contributes to
growth impairment and poor cognitive development. Infant of LBW has potential to develop
chronic diseases later in life. Low birth weight is now known to be associated with increased
rates of coronary heart disease and the related disorders, stroke, hypertension and adult-onset
diabetes. The factors contributing to LBW has been widely discussed in different studies which
reveal the different results with different ideas on knowledge to the community specially to
mothers of reproductive ages.

2.2.1. Globally
The study done by Yadav, H. and Lee, N. (2013) conducted a research in one hospital in
Malaysia he explained that ‘there is the association of older age (35 years and above), low pre-
pregnancy BMI (<20 Kg/m2), parity of 4 and above, Indian origin, economically under
privileged, and abnormal blood pressure as risk factors associated with low birth weight’.
The study done by Lopez, N.B. and Choonara, I. (2010) conducted a study at Primary Health
Center of North Karnataka he explained that the younger age group is at risk of having LBW
babies compared to older age group and this finding is consistent with other studies.
The study done by Rakesh, K.N., Chandra, S.M., Maheshwar, D.M. and Vijaya, A.N. (2013)
conducted a research in Malaysia on the factors contributing to LBW and revealed that Maternal
age was found significantly associated with low birth weight infants. in a study conducted by
Mirzarahimi et al (2010) in Ardabil Province, the most important risk factors for LBW in the
region were premature or gestational age less than 37 weeks, pluriparity, premature rupture of
the amniotic membranes, maternal age over 35 years, mother’s weight less than 50 kg, and the
mother's diseases.

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2.2.2 In Sub-Saharan-Africa.
The study conducted by Zayghami S.N. (2011) in Kohkiluyeh and Boyer Ahmad Province found
that as the interval between pregnancies increases, the risk of LBW babies’ decreases. In the
study done by Pakniat et al (2012), at Atulomah low weight was found related with abnormal
BMI, abnormal weight, and preterm delivery. In Viengsakhone et al, show that mothers with
inadequate levels of knowledge about healthy pregnancy practices and mothers who lacked
proper nutritional habits were greater risks of LBW. By the study done by Amosu AM,
Atulomah NOS (2011) in Nigeria and explained that, Maternal age was found to significantly
affect LBW, with pregnant women within the age group of 14-18 having the greatest risk. Low
maternal age has been associated with LBW in previous studies. Teenage pregnancies are known
to be associated with poverty and lack of good education, factors which have also been reported
to significantly affect the prevalence of LBW. The study conducted by Oladeinde Hb, Oladeinde
Ob, Omoregia (2015) in their study in Nigeria and explained that; single pregnant women had a
1-3 fold increased risk of delivering LBW neonates. Lack of socio- economic support may be
Migwi Pail responsible for this observation. Even among married pregnant women, LBW was
significantly affected by polygamy. Polygamy may increase poverty by forcing pregnant women
to share limited resources. This in turn could lead to malnutrition, disease spread, which affects
delivery of LBW. Maternal height was a significant risk factor for delivery of LBW.

2.2.3 in East Africa.

The study done by Mbonye, M. K. (2010), on his study in Uganda explained that, Attendance of
antenatal care (ANC) was found to have a significant association with low birth weight
prevalence, almost half of the mothers who did not attend ANC clinic delivered low birth weight
babies. The study done by being less likely to deliver low birth weight infants.
Mutugi (2010) in Narok District Hospital, Kenya and the findings of His study show significant
independent association between neonatal low birth weight and weight of the mother, heavier
mothers

2.2.4 in Tanzania.
The study done by Kiula N.S, Ondimu K.N, Mironga J.M (2014), in Singida and the study
findings shows that there different factors contributing to low birth weight which include:

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residence, source of income, maternal malaria, parity, mother's education level, marital status,
source of water, type of toilet used, access to mosquito net, STDs infections, violence exposure,
alcohol consumption, energy for cooking and a number of antenatal care visits, have a strong
influence on birth weight of infants. The study done by Tanzania Journal of Health Research
(2010), at KCMC and they explained that, Antenatal care had a strong influence on birth weight.
It means that pregnant women who did not attend antenatal care service had high risk of their
neonates to fall in the LBW group as compared with of those who attended frequently. Also they
explained that Low birth weights were significantly associated with low maternal body mass
index as a result of low body weight in relation to height of women, LBW was significantly
affected by polygamy. Polygamy may increase poverty by forcing pregnant women to share
limited resources. This in turn could lead to malnutrition, disease spread, which affects delivery
of LBW. Maternal height was a significant risk factor for delivery of LBW.

2.3 Theoretical Framework

My study will be guided by Delaine Feininger Model of Culture Care Diversity and Universality
Theory.
She proposed the following assumptions:
i) care is essential for growth, development, survival, and to face death;

ii) care is essential to curing and healing, for there can be no curing without caring;

iii) types, models and processes of care are different among all cultures of the world;

iv) Every Human Culture Has Lay (Folk) Care Knowledge And Practices And Usually
Some Professional Care;

v) cultural care values and beliefs are embedded in religious, family, social, political,
cultural (economic and historical) context;

vi) beneficial nursing care can only occur when culture care values, expressions or patterns
are known and used appropriately;

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 vii) beneficial nursing understands differences between professional caregivers' and clients'
expectations;

viii) culturally diverse and universal care is necessary for health and well-being of
people, which is the goal of nurses worldwide;

ix) Nursing is a transcultural discipline and profession with the central purpose to
Serve human beings.
I have decided to use this theorist because, M. Feininger in her model she explained on the
Nursing role on patient care and the role of culture on community health and wellbeing.
She said that “The goal of nursing is to provide culture-specific and universal nursing care
practices in promoting health or well-being or to help people to face unfavorable human
conditions, illness, or death in culturally meaningful ways’’.
My study aims at the knowledge on the factors contributing to low birth weight. Lininger
expressed the social cultural factors as a beam of light that have seven important factors which
both have great influence on individual.
She presented factors such as (technological, religious and philosophical, political and legal,
economic, educational and family factors, cultural values, lifestyle), which in real they do
combine all the factors that contribute to low birth weight.

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 CHAPTER THREE
3.0 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction
Factors contributing to LBW to pregnancy women ware needed to expand the knowledge and applicable
strategies for prevention to be developed. This section was elaborated more where this research was
conducted area, design populations, sampling procedure, data collection and its managements.

3.2 Study Area/Setting

The study was conducted to Buzuruga health center in ilemela municipality whereby little

research was done,where there was among the 9 regions with high level of malnutrition due to

the survey done by Ministry of health and social welfare (MOHSW) in 2014 on the National

nutritional status of children aged 0-59 months.

3.3 Research Design

The study design was descriptive cross section with quantitative approach. Because data was

collected at one specific point at a time. Using a cross sectional study design is simple, enable

generating hypothesis for other studies and establishing prevalence of my study outcome but its

limited to establish conclusion from a study variables relationship or association.

3.4 Study Population

The study population was all pregnancy women that were found in Buzuruga health center in

ilemela municipality

3.4.1 Inclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria was all pregnancy women that were systematically selected in Buzuruga health

center

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 3.4.2 Exclusion criteria

Pregnancy woman who ware not ready to participate in a study, at the time of data collection

was not be eligible to participate.

3.5 Sampling Design

In sampling design, the sampling frame, sample size, and sampling method were identified as follows.

3.6 Sampling Frame

Sampling frame was involving a list of all pregnant women aged 18-40 years were chosen

3.7 Sample Size:

The sample size of 25 respondents and 2 official respondents were selected from the population of the
people in the study area the sample size of 25 people was selected by researcher due to time
constraints and the availability of the selected respondents

3.8 Sampling Methods

Sampling technique refers to the specific method, design, approach, or strategy that a researcher
decided to use the selected sample from the larger population.

Simple random sampling technique was used to select the participants of the research questions
where every woman who were in reproductive age in the population was having an opportunity
to be selected as a sample.

The study adopted both simple and purposive sampling technique/ methods. This sampling
technique enabled the researcher to contact few potential respondents who are informed and
knowledgeable on the study matter.

3.9 Pilot Study

The testing was conducted to two responds; this was helping the researcher to understand
whether the questions was clear and was giving intended responses

3.10 Data Collection Methods

Both primary and secondary data was collected from who were pregnancy women available in
the study area the following method were used

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3.10.1 Interview
Both quantitative and qualitative data were used in data collection. Personal interview was used
to obtain data was asked from the respondents.

3.10.2 Questionnaires

The tool was used for data collection while conducting interviews to the respondents. both closed and
open ended questions were designed in questionnaire to collect data from the respondents.

3.11 Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria

3.11.1 Inclusion Criteria
The study included all the pregnant women sampled in the survey aged between 18-35 years.
The responses extracted from women’s questionnaire on mothers aged between 18-35 years.

3.7.2 Exclusion Criteria

Only pregnant women aged between 18-35 years were analyzed; for other population was not
included because this study was focused on family planning only.

3.11.2 Data Processing

Both scientific calculator and computer were used during data processing. The scientific
calculator was used in calculating numbers and percentages, and then data were processed by the
use of computer software programs like MS Word and MS- Excel into required information.

3.12 Data Analysis

The analysis of data and information was done by the use of descriptive and statistical analysis,
where by qualitative and quantitative data provided the linkaged and easily understood by
readers at different levels.

3.13 Ethical Considerations

Permission were sought through the head college, Tandabui the institute of Health Science and
Technology via doctor in-charge of Buzuruga Health Centre, The participants were assured that
all information which were gathered from them were confidential and would not be revealed to
anybody else without their permission and their names were not written. The participants were
informed the purpose and importance of the study.

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3.14 Limitation of the Study
The sample size was 15 people due to limit of time, also The following limitations was expected

to happen during the course of study; communication or language barrier, lack of enough time to

conduct the study, poor response from some of the respondents due to unawareness and attitude

of research process.

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 CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 FINDINGS/RESULTS
4.1 Introduction
The main objective of this study was Assessment On Knowledge And Attitude Towards Low
Birth Weight Among Women Of Reproductive Age at Buzuruga Health Centre in Ilemela
Municipality. The chapter is divided into: Respondent characteristics; Factors contributing to low
birth weight; Ways of preventing low birth weight in pregnancy women; and the availability and
accessibility of services to pregnant women.

4.2 Respondent Characteristics

A total sample of 25 respondents and 2 Key informants were investigated by a researcher at
Buzuruga Health Centre. This response rate was considered reliable enough to allow for
generalization of the findings to the target population prior the arriving at the conclusions of the
study. According to Necamaya (1996), a response return rate of more than 75% is enough for the
study to continue.

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4.3.1 Characteristics Of The Study Population (N=50)

The study was done to respondents who were at buzuruga RCH based on different
aspects of life.

Table 1: a: Characteristics of Study Participants

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CHARACTERISTICS FREQUENCY PERCENTAGES(% )

SEX

Female 30 60%

Male 20 40%

Total 50 100%

AGE GROUP

15-25 9 18% 4.3.2 Level of

knowledge of
26-36 20 40%
parents on the
37-47 15 30% pre disposing
factors of low
48-58 5 10% birth weight
children
59-69 1 2%
The assumption
TOTAL 50 100% underlying the
EDUCATION LEVEL level of
education in
Non-education 12 24%
determining the
College 10 20% mother’s
knowledge on

Secondary education 15 30% the low birth

weight babies,
Primary education 13 26%
health facilities
TOTAL 50 100% have done in the
OCCUPATION health education
to makes one
Peasant 30 60%

Business 12 24%

Employed 8 16%

Total 50 100%

26
enlightened of the dangers accompanied with getting low birth weight baby and would thus make
one avoid

LEVEL OF EDUCATION OF PARENT

80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
LEVEL OF EDUCATION

EDUCATED NON EDUCATED

in such places to minimize chances for those risks. On this variable, that

From the knowledge assessed revealed that 70% of women had formal education compared to
30% that had informal education. Also, 74% of women who delivered at health facilities had
formal education vis-à-vis 26% that had informal 24. These findings imply that level of
education make difference between those who and those who delivering at health facilities. That
is to say that, level of education of mothers is important avoid low birth weight.

4.3.3 Knowledge of parents patterning to balance diet to low birth weight

From the study 35 respondents equal to 70% were the not aware about the balanced
diet for children born with low birth weight, hence they cannot handle good health
condition to their children. 15 respondents equal to 30% was having some know

27
provide balance diet to their children. Their respondents are summarized on

30%

70%

Figure 2: pie chart showing knowledge of parents on balanced diet for low birth
weight children

4.3.4 TO MOTHER’S ATTITUDE ON LOW BIRTH WEIGHT BABIES.

The figure below showing the respondents on how Attitudes of the mothers were on the
low body weight children 50% were thinking as it is miracles and sins of mothers while
50% were having knowledge that it was been caused by inadequate mother’s nutrition
during pregnancy.

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 60%

50% 50%
50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

Figure 3: Bar chart showing altitude of mothers on low birth weight children

29
 CHAPTER FIVE

5.0DISCUSSION

5.1key finding for each objective

The research was done at Buzuruga health center in ilemela manicipality ; Where the primary
objective of the study was to determine the factors that contributing low birth weight to the
mothers at Buzuruga RCH. The study was done based on the four objectives at which each
objective had its own findings as seen in previous chapter. Also the responds are been
summarized as follows;

5.2 To assess knowledge to the pregnant mothers attending to Buzuruga RCH on the
factors contributing to low birth weight.
The study showed that 70% of research respondents were not aware with predisposing factors
which may lead for the women to get low birth weight child. While about 30% of the population
studded were having health education and knowledge on the predisposing factors and preventive
measures of low birth weight babies.

5.3 To assess the attitude of mother attending to buzuruga RCH on the factor
contributing to low birth weight
The respondents have shown equal knowledge and altitudes of low body weight children in the
community they explain on how their Attitude were on the low body weight children, 50% were
thinking as it is miracles and sins of mothers while 50% were having knowledge that it was been
caused by inadequate mother’s nutrition during pregnancy.

5.4 To determine practice of pregnant women attending at Buzuruga towards

prevention of low birth weight
Few of the mothers had knowledge on the preventive measure for low birth weight babies. They
manage to explain on the importance of mother’s diet during pregnancy for a healthy baby. But
most of the parents had no knowledge on the preventive measures for the mothers to avoid
children with low birth weight

30
 CHAPTER SIX

6.0 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

6.1 conclusions

From the findings, it was concluded that low awareness of parents on preventive
measures of low birth weight, poor altitude of parents on low birth weight and low level
of knowledge, were the main factors that contributing to deliveries of low birth weight at
Buzuruga RCH.

6.2 recommendations

Following the conclusion, the recommendations were made in order to reduce this
problem that there is much concern to educate patients/clients and the entire
community on factors contributing to low birth weight babies,

6.3 To ministry of health

The ministry of health should make sure that there are rules and regulations to be
followed by health the workers in order to provide the good care to the women and
babies born with low weight as well as health workers to manage and prevent/minimize
the further complications associated with low birth weight to babies.

6.4 To the health facility

The health facility should have enough health workers in order to provide enough care
and services to the women and babies with low birth weight, Also should have own
policies that could direct care to be given to low birth weight babies.

6.5 To the patients/clients

Patients should adhere to the health education provided to them based on predisposing factors
and prevention of low birth weight to newborn, also should adhere to the care and follow up
being encouraged to them by health workers.

6.6 dissemination of results

Research results is very important for plan of development and improvement of health
problems of the society concerned, the research report results were communicated and
submitted for follow up and implementations to the following;

Individual Copy for Reference, Learning purpose and Teaching Others

31
6.7 Limitation of the study

The greatest limitation of this study was;

a) The work is difficult in the sense that it is the first time to conduct the research study.

b) The time is short to complete the study at appropriate time.

c) The small sample size which will only consist parents and care givers attends at RCH.

d) Shortage of fund to conduct a research that will have bigger sample size.6.8

Recommendation for further study

e) It would be more desirable to do further study that will combine qualitative and

quantitative methods so s to explore more factors that lead to low birth weight babies.

32
 REFERENCES

Diminssie Shilaye (2010) Neonatal Sepsis; Bacterial etiological agents and their antibiotic
susceptibility pattern in Tikuranbesca – University hospital Addis Ababa Ethiopia

Dr. Chamberlain (2014) infection of the fetus and newborn infant Philadelphia.

33
Dr. Samson Winai, Dr. Patricia Cffery, Siri Wood, Dr. Frank Mosha, Dr.Thobias Durwa, and Dr.
John Changaludua (2005) Evaluation of dean delivery kit intervention. Mwanza –
Tanzania.

Journal of Nutrition by American society for nutrition (2013) Rockvile pike bethesada America

Marij K (2010) situation analysis of newborn health in Tanzania Dar-es-Salaam Tanzania

Macmillan English Dictionary for Advanced Learners (2017) second edition

Mwifadhi Mrisho et al, (2012) understanding house based neonatal care practice in rural
southern Tanzania

Myles text book for midwives (2011) 12th edition Edinburgh, London.

Nicholaus H.F (2013) Maternal newborn Nursing

Saez- Liorens and C.H.J (2015 Sepsis syndrome and septic shock in pediatrics current concepts
of terminology, pathogens and management. Saunders Philadelphia.

Suzan ml (2013) The midwife text book 12th edition

APPENDINCIES 1:

CONSENT FORM

I have read and understood the information sheet in this consent form where necessary I have an
opportunity to ask question about my participation. I understand that I have understood and take
part in the study and I have understood that I have right to withdraw from the study at any stage
without giving any reason.

Signature of the participant…………………………………Date……………………………….

Signature of the researcher…………………….……………Date……………………………….

34
CONTACT INFORMATION

ZOGWE KAMUGA KALABA

P.O BOX

TANDABUI THE INSTITUITE OF HEALTH AND ALLIED SCIENCES, TANZANIA

APPENDINCIES 2. QUESTIONNAIRIRE

APPENDINCIES A: QUESTIONNAIRE IN ENGLISH

ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE ON FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO

LOW BIRTH WEIGHT TO A PREGNANT WOMEN AT BUZURUGZ H/C IN ILEMELA
MANISPALITY IN MWANZA

This study has three parts, part A is concerned with demographic data, part B is testing
knowledge and part C is testing attitude of women on LBW.

I Zogwe kamuga kalaba I would like to ask you questions on factors contribute to low birth
weight to woman.

I assure you that every information given will be confidential.

Number of questionnaire………………………….

PART A: DEMOGRAPHIC DATA

35
1.Mother’s age

a) under 18 years

b) 18 to 35 years

c) Above 35 [ ]

2. Number of children………………

3. Level of education attended?

a) Not educated

b) Primary education [ ]

c) Secondary education

d) Higher education

4. Marital status……………………

a) Married

b) Not married [ ]

c) Widow

PART B: QUESTIONS PERTAINING TO KNOWLEDGE ON FACTORS CONTRIBUTING

TO LBW.

5. How do you know about Low birth weight?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………

6. What do you thing on reason contributing to low birth weight?

a/…………………………………………………………………

b/………………………………………………………………..

36
c/…………………………………………………………………

d/………………………………………………………………..

7. Do you think poor nutrition status during pregnant may contribute to low birth weight baby?
a) Yes

b) No [ ]

If yes why?......................................................................................................

If no, why? ……………………………………………………………………

8. Do short inter-pregnancy intervals, smoking and alcoholism to pregnant woman contribute to

low birth weight?

a) YES

b) NO [ ]

IF YES give reasons

………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………

IF NO give reasons ………………………………………………………………….

………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………….

9. Does early and regular attending to ANC clinics having any potential on reducing the
occurrence of Low birth weight babies?

a) YES

b) NO [ ]

37
If YES,
how…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………

PART C: QUESTION PERTAINING TO MOTHER’S ATTITUDE ON LOW BIRTH

WEIGHT BABIES.

10. What do you feel if you deliver or you hear that someone has delivered a baby with low
birth weight?

a)…………………………………………………

b)…………………………………………………

c)…………………………………………………

APPENDINCIES B: DODOSO (KISWAHILI)

KUBAINI UFAHAMU NA MTAZAMO KUHUSU SABABU ZA WATOTO KUZALIWA NA

UZITO MDOGO KWA AKINA MAMA WENYE UMRI WA KUJIFUNGUA KATIKA
HOSPITALI YA BUZURUGA

MIMI ZOGWE KAMUGA KALABA NINA AHIDI YA KUA MAJIBU NITAKAYO PATA
KATIKA MASWALI NTAKAYO ULIZA NTAYATUNZA KWA SILI.

Namba ya dodoso…………………….

SEHEMU A; UTAMBULISHO

1. Umri …………………………
a) Chini ya miaka 18 b) miaka 18 hadi 35 c) Zaidi ya miaka 35 [ ]

2. Idadi ya watoto………………………….

38
3. Kiwango cha elimu

a) Sijasoma c) Elimu ya sekondari

b) Elimu ya msingi d) Elimu ya chub [ ]

4. Hali ya ndoa

a) Nimeolewa b) sijaolewa c) mjane [ ]

SEHEMU B: MASWALI JUU YA UFAHAMU WA VISABABISHI VYA WATOTO

KUZALIWA NA UZITO MDOGO.

5. Je, unafahamu nini kuhusu uzito mdogo WA

kuzaliwa……………………………………………………………………………………

6. Je, unahisi nini sababu za mtoto kuzaliwa Na uzito mdogo?

a/………………………………………………………………………………………………

b/ …………………………………………………………………......………………………

c/ ……………………………………………………………...........………………………

d /………………………………………………………………………………………...………

7. Unafikiri kuwa lishe duni Kwa mama anapokuwa mjamzito inaweza kusababisha kuzaa mtoto
mwenye uzito mdogo?

a) Ndiyo b) Hapana [ ]

39
Kama NDIO
eleza………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………Kama
NDIO
eleza………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………

8. Unafikiri muda mfupi kati ya ujauzito mmoja na mwingine, Uvutaji wa sigara na unywaji
pombe unaweza kuchangia kuzaliwa mtoto wa uzito mdogo?

a) Ndiyo b) Hapana [ ]

Kama NDIO
eleza………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………

Kama HAPANA
eleza………………………………………………………………………………………………
………… ………….................................................................................................................

9. Je, mahudhulio ya mapema Na Kwa mpangilio ya kliniki ya uzazi kuna msaada wowote katika
kupunguza kuzaliwa Kwa watoto wa uzito mdogo?

A) Ndio B) Hapana [ ]

Kama NDIO
eleza………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………

. Je, magonjwa Kama kisuksri, msukumo wa juu wa damu na magonjwa mengine ya moyo Kwa
mama mjamzito yanaweza kusababisha kuzaliwa kwa mtoto akiwa na uzito mdogo?

A) Ndio B) Hapana [ ]

40
SEHEMU C; MASWALI KUHUSU MTAZAMO WA AKINA MAMA JUU YA KUZALIWA
KWA WATOTO WENYE UZITO MDOGO.

10. Unapata hisia gani Kama ukijifunga au ukisikia mama amejifungua mtoto mwenye uzito
mdogo?

a)……………………………………………………………………………………………………

b)……………………………………………………………………………………………………

c)……………………………………………………………………………………………………

d)……………………………………………………………………………………………………

APPENDINCIES 2 (PERMISSION LETTER)

P.O.BOX

MWANZA
5/2/2022.

OFFICE OF BUZURUGA H/C

P.O.BOX

MWANZA-TANZANIA.,
U.F.S
PRINCIPAL,
MFHIT

41
P.O.BOX,
MWANZA_TANZANIA.
Dear Sir/Madam
REF: REQUEST TO CONDUCT NURSING RESEARCH AT BUZURUGA H/C

I request to conduct the research with the title of ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE AND
ATTITUDE ON THE FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO LOW BIRTH WEIGHT TO
PREGNANT WOMEN AT BUZURUGA H/C IN ILEMELA MANICIPALITY IN MWANZA
DECEMBER 2022.

I kindly request permission from you to conduct the research at your health center. I hope my
request will be positive accepted

Thank you in advance for your support

Sincerely yours

……………………
ZOGWE KAMUGA KALABA.

42