Prevalence and Factors Associated with Low-Birth-Weight in Kicukiro District, Rwanda
Jeanne Mumporeze1, Japheths Ogendi1,2
1Department of Public Health, School of Health Sciences, Mount Kenya University, Kigali, Rwanda.
Insights
Low birth weight (LBW) remains a significant issue in Rwanda. Adolescent mothers, pre-delivery weight loss, and multiple births were identified as key factors contributing to LBW in Kicukiro district.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal health
- Maternal and child health
- Global public health
Background:
- Low birth weight (LBW) and neonatal deaths are critical global health challenges.
- Globally, 15.5% of infants are born with LBW, with 96.5% in developing nations.
- This study addresses LBW in Rwanda's Kicukiro district.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of LBW in children aged 0-15 months in Kicukiro district.
- To identify factors associated with LBW in this population.
- To inform targeted public health interventions.
Main Methods:
- A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted.
- 349 participants were recruited using systematic sampling.
- Data was collected via questionnaire (Open Data Kit) and analyzed using SPSS v21.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of LBW in Kicukiro district was 23.8%.
- Significant factors associated with LBW included adolescent mothers (<18 years), pre-delivery weight loss, and multiple births.
- Multivariable analysis confirmed these associations (AORs provided).
Conclusions:
- LBW is a substantial problem in Kicukiro district, Rwanda.
- Interventions should target adolescent mothers, pre-delivery weight management, and families expecting multiple births.
- Addressing these determinants is crucial for reducing LBW rates.
Background:
Low birth weight (LBW) and neonatal deaths have continued to be a major global challenge. The global prevalence of LBW is 15.5 per cent, which amounts to about 30 million LBW infants born each year, 96.5 per cent of them are found in developing countries according to the World Health Organization. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with LBW amongst children aged 0 to 15 months at immunization clinics brought by mothers at health centers in Kicukiro district, Kigali city, Rwanda.
Methods:
A cross-sectional design, quantitative approach was used. Three hundred forty nine participants were chosen by a systematic sampling technique. A questionnaire using Open Data Kit (ODK) and SPSS version 21 were used for data collection and analysis respectively. Multivariable analysis was utilized to identify the factors associated with LBW for p-value <0.05.
Results:
The LBW prevalence in Kicukiro District, Kigali was 23.8%. Adolescent mothers under 18 years (AOR=32.49, p=002), pre-delivery weight loss (AOR=2.18, p=018) and multiple babies (AOR=6.16, p=004) were significantly associated with LBW.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, low birth weight is an important problem that needs to be addressed in Kicukiro district. Interventions would mainly focus on the key determinants of low birth weight relating to adolescent mothers under 18 years, pre-delivery weight loss and mothers with multiple babies.
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