Predictors of low birth weight and 24-hour perinatal outcomes at Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: a five-year retrospective analysis of obstetric records.
Introduction
The global prevalence of low birth weight (LBW) is 16%, representing more than 20 million infants worldwide, of which 96% are born in low-income countries. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, predictors and perinatal outcomes of LBW newborns.


Methods
We conducted a retrospective analysis of data obtained from the hospital's obstetric and neonatal database. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression were performed with 95% confidence intervals (CI).


Results
The prevalence of LBW was 21% (n = 8,011) and two-thirds of these were delivered at term. Seven percent of newborns were stillbirths and 2% died within 24hrs after birth. Logistic regression revealed that primigravida and grand multiparity were associated with LBW (OR: 1.25, 95%CI: 1.15-1.37; and OR: 1.21, 95%CI: 1.01-1.25, respectively). Having <4 antenatal care (ANC) visits was associated with increased odds of LBW (OR: 1.74, 95%CI: 1.59-1.87). Regression models revealed an independent association between LBW and increased odds of stillbirths (OR = 7.20, 95%CI 6.71-7.90), low Apgar score (OR = 3.42, 95%CI: 3.12-3.76) and early neonatal deaths (OR = 1.82, 95%CI: 1.51-2.19).


Conclusion
The prevalence of LBW was high and was associated with extreme maternal age groups, grand multiparity, low maternal education, low number of ANC visits and obstetrics risks factors and complications. Both LBW and prematurity were independently associated with poor perinatal outcome. Future interventions should focus on improving the quality of ANC and integrating peripartum emergency obstetric and neonatal care.
['Kamala|Benjamin Anathory|BA|', 'Mgaya|Andrew Hans|AH|', 'Ngarina|Matilda Michael|MM|', 'Kidanto|Hussein Lesio|HL|']
D000328:Adult D001034:Apgar Score D005260:Female D006801:Humans D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight D007231:Infant, Newborn D016015:Logistic Models D008297:Male D008423:Maternal Age D010298:Parity D066087:Perinatal Death D011247:Pregnancy D011248:Pregnancy Complications D011256:Pregnancy Outcome D011295:Prenatal Care D012189:Retrospective Studies D012307:Risk Factors D050497:Stillbirth D013636:Tanzania D055815:Young Adult
perinatal outcomes Low-birth-weight intra-uterine growth restriction