Vol. 1, Issue 1, Part A (2019)

Background: Low Birth Weight (LBW) is associated with both adverse perinatal outcomes and long term adverse health conditions. The information on LBW remains limited among low and middle income countries. The aim of this study is to determine the frequency and factors associated with LBW among neonates delivered at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center (KCMC) in northern Tanzania. Methodology: This was a hospital-based retrospective cohort study which was conducted using maternally-linked data from KCMC medical birth registry. A total of 8,965 women who delivered singleton infants from 2013-2015 were included. Maternal complications during pregnancy and child information on gestational age, Apgar score as well as birth weight were analyzed. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 20.0. Multivariable log-binomial regression model was performed. A P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The frequency of LBW was 11.6%. Pre-eclampsia (RR 4.9, 95% CI 3.7-6.6), eclampsia (RR 16, 95% CI 7.2-33), maternal anemia (RR 2.4, 95% CI 1.1-5.4), induction of labor (RR 1.4, 95% CI 1.1-1.8), caesarean-section (RR 1.2, 95% CI 1.0-1.4), PROM (RR 2.0,95% CI 1.2-3.5) and maternal underweight (RR 2.0, 95% CI 1.6-3.6) were significantly associated with LBW. In addition, fetal factors such as preterm birth (RR 12.0, 95% CI 9.9-13) and Apgar score <7 at 5^th min (RR 2.0, 95% CI 1.4-2.8) were also associated with increased risk of LBW. Conclusion: The risk of LBW was extremely higher in the presence of pre-eclampsia, eclampsia and Preterm delivery complications. Screening on the conditions and danger signs during pregnancy should be reinforced to reduce risk of LBW.