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Updated: Jun 14, 2026

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
09:36

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study

Published on: February 2, 2017

Prevalence and determinants of low-birth-weight deliveries at four district hospitals in Kigali, Rwanda: a

Gashaija Absolomon1, Richard Kalisa2, Jeanine Condo3,2,4

  • 1Center for Impact, Innovation and Capacity Building in Health Information Systems and Nutrition (CIIC-HIN), Kigali, Rwanda. absolomonrwanda@gmail.com.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth
|June 13, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Low birth weight (LBW) affects 8.2% of neonates in Kigali, Rwanda. Key factors include maternal HIV status, preeclampsia, and preterm birth, highlighting the need for targeted maternal care interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Low birth weight (LBW) is a critical global health issue, particularly in developing nations, linked to increased neonatal and infant mortality.
  • In Rwanda, LBW significantly impacts child health and development, necessitating research into its contributing factors.
  • Understanding LBW determinants is crucial for effective interventions to improve maternal and child health outcomes in Rwanda.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of low birth weight (LBW) among neonates in Kigali, Rwanda.
  • To identify significant determinants associated with LBW in the study population.
  • To inform public health strategies aimed at reducing LBW rates in Rwanda.

Main Methods:

  • A hospital-based retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in four district hospitals in Kigali from November 2023 to February 2024.
  • Neonatal medical records were reviewed to collect data on birth weight and potential risk factors.
  • Statistical analysis, including logistic regression, was used to identify determinants of LBW.

Main Results:

  • The prevalence of LBW was 8.2% (95% CI: 7.6-8.8).
  • Significant determinants of LBW included maternal HIV-positive status (AOR=2.07), female neonates (AOR=1.52), preeclampsia/eclampsia (AOR=4.46), and hospitalization during pregnancy (AOR=4.34).
  • Preterm birth (<38 weeks) was the strongest determinant of LBW (AOR=16.85).

Conclusions:

  • The study identified key determinants of LBW in Kigali, Rwanda, with a prevalence of 8.2%.
  • Maternal HIV status, preeclampsia/eclampsia, female infant sex, and prior pregnancy hospitalization are significant risk factors.
  • Strengthening antenatal care and targeted maternal health programs is essential to reduce LBW rates, particularly for high-risk pregnancies.
Abstract

Keywords:
DeterminantsDistrict hospitalsLow birth weightNeonatesRwanda

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