Publication:

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

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.