The estimated effects (odds ratios) of the proximate
factors on birth weight are provided in Table 3. All the
factors, with the exception of parity included in the model
had significant impact on the likelihood of having low birth
weight babies. Mothers’ nutrition, measured by their body
mass index (BMI) had the greatest effect. Underweight
mothers (those with a BMI of less than 18.5) were about
30% more likely to have a low birth weight baby than those
women who weighed normal or overweight. What is also
interesting is that the magnitude of the effect of BMI did
not change as other covariates were introduced into the
statistical model. It thus indicates that mothers’ nutritional
status has a large independent and statistically significant
effect on the birth weight of newborns. The next greatest
effect on low birth weight came from the use of antenatal
care: those who did not use antenatal care increased the risk
of low birth weight baby by 23% compared to those who
used the antenatal services frequently (3 or more visits). As