Study of Factors Associated with Low Birth Weight in the Bounkiling Health District in 2020 (Senegal)

Introduction: Neonatal mortality is particularly high in developing countries. Low birth weight (LBW) is a major public health problem in both developing and developed countries. It accounts for a significant proportion of neonatal deaths. The aim of this study was to determine the factors associated with the occurrence of low birth weight in the Bounkiling health district in 2020. Methodology: This was a retrospective case-control study of the various factors associated with low birth weight, based on women's delivery records from maternity units in the Bounkiling health district throughout 2020. Mothers' socio-demographic characteristics, obstetrical and medical history, and information on the health status of the newborn in the case group (weight less than 2,500 grams) were compared with those in the control group (weight greater than or equal to 2,500 grams). Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed using Épi info 7 software to identify risk factors associated with LBW. Results: The study showed that low birth weight accounted for 97.05% of LBW, the sex ratio was 0.87 in favor of girls, the Apgar score at birth was not good (below 7) for 31.43% of newborns. Teenage mothers accounted for 17.08%. Women with no schooling accounted for 71.34%, and those living in households with a monthly income of less than 50,000 CFA francs per month were 63.71%. Results of the multivariate analysis showed that the risk factors for LBW (p < 0.05) were female sex of the newborn (AOR=1.59 with CI=1.07 - 2.35), Apgar score at birth (AOR=2.79 with CI=1.77 - 4.41), young maternal age under 19 (AOR=2.42 with CI=1.43- 4.12), household income under 50,000 CFA francs, (AOR=1.97 with CI=1.27-3.04), maternal history of low birth weight (AOR=3.62 with CI=2.02-6.50), physical labor during pregnancy (AOR=1.80 with CI=1.20 - 2.69). Conclusion: Improving neonatal health through a reduction in LBW will depend on intensifying the implementation of strategies focused on adolescent reproductive health, strengthening communication with adolescent girls and community leaders on the issue of early marriage and pregnancy, improving pregnancy monitoring at health facilities and raising the socio-economic level of women through their empowerment.