Maternal Risk Factors Associated with Low Birth Weight Neonates: A Multi-Centre, Cross-Sectional Study in a Developing Country

Abstract

Background: Low birth weight (LBW) deliveries contribute to high neonatal mortality rates (NMR) in developing countries. Several maternal risk factors are associated with LBW newborns. Appropriate interventions will help to reduce the incidence of LBW deliveries in these countries and improve neonatal survival outcomes. This study aims to identify maternal risk factors associated with LBW in Enugu, South-east Nigeria. Subjects and Methods: A multi-centre, cross-sectional study of 506 consecutive live newborns delivered between September 1st and December 31st 2011 was conducted in a south-east Nigerian city. Maternal data included last menstrual period, history of illnesses such as hypertensive disorders and anaemia during pregnancy, delivery date and time. The weights of the newborns were measured at birth. Data were analyzed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 18.0. The relative risk of having a LBW newborn with maternal factors was calculated. Results: There were a total of 72 LBW newborns, giving an incidence rate of 14.2%. Eighteen (25%) of the mothers with LBW deliveries had malaria in pregnancy while 4 (5.6%) tested positive for human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV). The relative risk of having a LBW newborn was high in maternal HIV (RR=3.25, C.I=1.51-6.97), hypertension in pregnancy (RR=3.07, C.I=1.52-6.22), ante partum hemorrhage (APH) (RR=7.20, C.I=5.79-8.95), as well as primiparity (RR=1.35, C.I=0.88-2.08). Conclusion: Common maternal risk factors for LBW babies in Enugu, south-east Nigeria include APH, HIV, hypertension in pregnancy, and primiparity.