Low birth weight in newborns: epidemiological aspects and neonatal prognosis within Bogodogo teaching hospital, Burkina Faso

Abstract

Background: Low birthweight is one of the main causes of neonatal death, after asphyxia and infections. This study purpose is to determine the epidemiological aspects and prognosis of this condition. Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study. Data were collected prospectively from July 1st to September 30th, 2021 within Bogodogo Teaching Hospital. The study population included the overall newborns and their mothers. Results: The low birthweight frequency was estimated at 17.26% of live births. The average age was 26.06±5.8 years. Housewives accounted for 68.6% of cases against 78.9% for mothers in union. Unschooled mothers accounted for 38.3%. Mothers having medium socio-economic status accounted for 83.1% of cases. The average number of gesture was 2.60±1.62 and average parity was 2.72±1.76. Premature newborns accounted for 51.1% of cases. Females represented 55.6% of cases, giving a sex ratio of 0.80. The average weight was 1970.64±375.21 g with extremes of 900g and 2450g. The neonatal mortality rate was estimated at 9.4%. Occupation (p=0.003), marital status (p=0.001), place of residence (p=0.011), socioeconomic level (p=0.000), body mass index (p=0.001) and multiple pregnancy (p= 0.01) were statically associated with low birthweight at term. Conclusions: At the end of this study, it appears that further action is still needed to reduce low birthweight frequency, which implies improving the socio-economic conditions of the population.