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Early growth in preterm infants after hospital discharge in rural Kenya: longitudinal study
Diana Mawia Sammy1, Margaret Njambi Chege1, Jennifer Oyieke1
1School of Nursing Sciences, P.O Box 19676-00202, University of Nairobi, Kenya.
Insights
Most preterm infants experienced growth deficits after hospital discharge. Gestational age at birth was a key factor influencing early growth in these vulnerable newborns. Further research is needed to improve outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neonatology
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
Background:
- Prematurity is a leading cause of neonatal mortality.
- Early infant growth predicts later development and neurodevelopmental outcomes.
- Understanding determinants of early growth in preterm infants is crucial for intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify factors influencing early growth in preterm infants post-hospital discharge.
- To assess growth patterns of preterm infants at Kitui District Hospital, Kenya.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal study design was employed.
- Anthropometric measurements were taken at discharge and two weeks later.
- Guardian interviews collected data on infant and maternal characteristics.
Main Results:
- 72.6% of preterm infants showed growth deficits, failing to meet WHO weight gain recommendations.
- Most mothers were aged 20-29, many were first-time mothers with primary education.
- Gestational age at birth ranged from 33-36 weeks for most preterm infants.
Conclusions:
- Growth deficit is prevalent in preterm infants after discharge.
- Gestational age at birth is a significant determinant of early growth.
- Targeted interventions may be necessary to support growth in this population.
Introduction:
Prematurity is the single most important cause of mortality during the neonatal period. The early growth of these infants has been shown to be a predictor of their later growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes. The objective of this study was to establish the determinants of early growth in preterm infants after hospital discharge at the Kitui District Hospital, Kenya.
Methods:
A short longitudinal study design was adopted to execute the study. During the period of April and June 2014, all the preterm infants who were discharged from the Kitui District Hospital Newborn Unit were enrolled in the study by obtaining written informed consent from their guardians. The anthropometric measurements of these infants were taken at discharge and repeated two weeks later at the Pediatric Outpatient Clinic and the Maternal Child health Clinic. A questionnaire guided interview was held with the guardians to establish infant and maternal characteristics which influenced the infants' early growth.
Results:
A total of 112 participants were enrolled for the study with 106 (94.4%) of them being available for reassessment after two weeks. Majority (72.6%) had deficit in growth by failing to attain the recommended WHO average weight gain of 15g/kg/day. Most of the mothers (63.4%) were between the ages of 20-29 years with half of them being first time mothers. Many of them (66.1%) had only attained primary education and were married (66.1%) to self-employed husbands (56%).
Conclusion:
Most of the preterm infants at discharge were females who were born between 33 and 36 weeks gestation. Growth deficit was present in the majority and gestational age at birth was a major determinant of the early growth in these preterm infants.
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