Objective: Head circumference can help us monitor the growth of the brain. Therefore, this study aimed to identify determinants of low head circumference at the birth of a newborn. Methods. A facility-based unmatched casecontrol study was employed among 95 cases and 286 controls selected by systematic random sampling. Bi-variable and multi-variable logistic analysis was done to identify determinants of low head circumference at birth. Results. A total of 368 newborn babies (82 cases and 286 controls) participated in this study, with a response rate of 96.59%. Being a rural resident [AOR=1.95, 95% CI: 1.08-3.52] and having anemia during pregnancy [AOR=2.61, 95% CI: 1.18-5.78] were positively associated with the low head circumference of a newborn. Conclusion. Being a rural resident and having anemia during pregnancy were determinants of low head circumference. Healthcare professionals should provide iron sulfate for all pregnant mothers during antenatal care services and great emphasis should be given to rural pregnant women.

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