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[A study of birth weight of the Republic of Central Africa]
M Tokunaga1, T Uehata, T Ujihira
1Department of Epidemiology, Institute of Public Health, Tokyo, Japan.
Insights
Low birth weight (LBW) in Central Africa is linked to young maternal age and demanding physical labor. Interventions should target adolescent mothers and reduce strenuous work during pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
Context:
- High rates of low birth weight (LBW) are a significant concern in African developing countries.
- This study analyzes birth weight data from 1988-1990 in Bangui, Central African Republic, covering 34,855 births.
Purpose:
- To investigate the prevalence and contributing factors of low birth weight (LBW) in relation to maternal age, delivery number, and seasonal variations.
- To compare birth weight and LBW rates between two maternity hospitals in Bangui.
Summary:
- Mean birth weight was higher in Castor (males 3,134g, females 3,018g) than Boy-Rabe (males 3,017g, females 2,909g).
- Overall LBW rate was 10.9%, with 9.8% at Castor and 14.7% at Boy-Rabe.
- LBW was highest for mothers under 16 during their first delivery and lowest for mothers aged 25-29 during their sixth delivery.
- LBW rates peaked in July and August, coinciding with agricultural peak seasons.
Impact:
- Findings highlight the critical impact of maternal age and labor intensity on infant birth weight.
- Identifies specific periods and demographics at higher risk for LBW, informing targeted public health interventions.
- Suggests a need for improved maternal healthcare and support, particularly for adolescent mothers and those engaged in heavy labor.
Abstract:
It is known that the rate of low birth weight in African developing countries is very high. A birth weight analysis based on their delivery charts is made in this paper for the babies born from 1988 to 1990 at two maternity hospitals, Castor and Boy-Rabe, in Bangui, the capital of the Republic of Central Africa. The total number of births amounted to 27,188 for Castor and 7,667 for Boy-Rabe, excluding multiple births. As a result, it was found that the youngest mother's age was twelve and the oldest fifty three, with the average age at the first delivery seventeen, followed by the another delivery every two years. Mean birth weight (MBW) values were significantly higher in Castor (males 3,134 +/- 527.5, females 3,018 +/- 511.6 grams) than in Boy-Rabe (males 3,017 +/- 542.6, females 2,909 +/- 507.1 grams). The total rate of low birth weight (LBW) under 2,500 grams was 10.9 percent. That of Castor maternity was 9.8 percent, while it was 14.7 percent for Boy-Rabe, which is significantly higher than the former. In addition, the rate of LBW is the highest in the first delivery for mothers younger than 16, while it is the lowest in the sixth delivery of the group of mothers group aged 25-29. Looking at the seasonal variation of LBW, we noticed that it became higher in July and August every year, the busiest period for farming, with harvesting followed by planting. These findings suggest that low birth weight infants are due to the age of delivery being younger than sixteen and also to the mother's heavy labor.