Risk Factors for Low Birthweight in Zimbabwean Women: A Secondary Data Analysis

Abstract

BackgroundLow birth weight (LBW) remains the main cause of mortality and morbidity in infants, and a problem in the care of pregnant women world-wide particularly in developing countries. The purpose of this study was to describe the socio-demographic, nutritional, reproductive, medical and obstetrical risk factors for delivering a live LBW infant at Harare Maternity Hospital, Zimbabwe.MethodsA secondary data analysis from data obtained through a questionnaire and delivery records was conducted. Linear regression models with a complimentary log-log link function were used to estimate the relative risks for all LBW, term LBW and preterm LBW.ResultsThe frequency of LBW was 16.7%. Lack of prenatal care (adjusted relative risk [ARR] 1.69, 95% CI 1.44, 1.98), mother’s mid-arm circumference below 28.5 cm, (ARR 1.35, 95% CI 1.19, 1.54) and rural residence (ARR 1.22, 95% CI 1.04, 1.40) increased the risk of LBW. Eclampsia, anemia, and ante-partum hemorrhage, were associated with LBW (ARR 2.64, 95% CI 1.30, 5.35; ARR = 2.63, 95% CI 1.16, 5.97; and ARR = 2.39, 95% CI 1.55, 3.68), respectively. Malaria increased the risk of LBW (ARR = 1.89, 95% CI 1.21, 2.96). Prenatal care, infant sex, anemia, antepartum hemorrhage, premature rapture of membranes and preterm labor were associated with the three LBW categories. History of abortion or stillbirth, history of LBW, malaria, eclampsia, and placenta Previa, were associated with all LBW and preterm LBW, while pregnancy induced hypertension, and number of children alive were associated with all LBW and term LBW.ConclusionsLBW frequency remains high and is associated with nutritive, reproductive, medical and obstetrical factors. Preterm LBW and term LBW have similar and also different risk factors. Understanding the role of different risk factors in these different LBW categories is important if the goal is to reduce LBW frequency, and its complications, in Zimbabwe.

Low Birth Weight and Prematurity in Teenage Mothers in Rural Areas of Burkina Faso

“…In addition, anemia and fever increased such a risk. Such level of childbearing by adolescents has been reported by studies done in other sub-Saharan countries: 21.1% in Zimbabwe, 24.4% in Cameroon and 24% in a multi-country study in sub-Saharan Africa [12,18,19]. This is also consistent with the distribution of teenage pregnancies in the world, the highest rates being recorded in the developing countries [1].…”

“…In other sub Saharan countries the rates were lower, but not homogenous [2,12,19,21,26]. This maybe reflects behavioral and cultural diversity among pregnant adolescents across countries [27,28].…”

“…Indeed anemia is more frequent in adolescents than in adults and it is linked to LBW and PTB [4,8,12,23,27,34]. The high frequency of anemia in teenagers may be explained by the inadequacy of their diet to fill the iron demand induced by their rapid growth and the menstruation's onset [35,36].…”

“…Inadequate number of antenatal visits has often been cited as deleterious factor of fetal outcome [12,39]. However, a free provision of quality health care including antenatal package was provided throughout the duration of the PREGACT trial.…”

Fasting blood glucose and newborn birth weight of non- diabetic Sudanese women

“…Abnormal birth weight constitutes a major risk factor for a wide spectrum of childhood morbidities 1 . Low birth weight is more prevalent in developing compared with developed countries 2,3 .…”