Associated Factors of Low Birth Weight among Newborns at Hospitals in Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo
Anzani Malongo
Higher Institute of Rural Development of Djolu, DR Congo.
Komanda Likwekwe Isaac
University Clinics of Kisangani, DR Congo.
Gelengi Mbongo
Higher Institute of Medical Techniques in Kisangani, DR Congo.
Balimo Limbele
Higher Institute of Medical Techniques in Kisangani, DR Congo.
Ekili Molisho
Higher Institute of Medical Techniques in Kisangani, DR Congo.
Melangana Menama
Higher Institute of Medical Techniques in Kisangani, DR Congo.
Botela Ponea
Higher Institute of Medical Techniques in Kisangani, DR Congo.
Ramazani Tabora
Higher Institute of Medical Techniques in Kisangani, DR Congo.
Kalafulu Imurani
Higher Institute of Medical Techniques in Kisangani, DR Congo.
Boseleka Bokumbuangole
Higher Institute of Medical Techniques in Kisangani, DR Congo.
Bokanga Ekelenge
Department of Gynecology-Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Kisangani, DR Congo.
Issa Yakusu
Cardiology Department, Cheik Anta Diop University, Senegal.
Tshingombo Muyaya Trydon
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Kisangani, DR Congo.
Ossinga Bassandja *
Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Kisangani University, DR Congo.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Low birth weight remains a major public health problem in every country in the world. It is a predictor of early neonatal mortality, morbidity and long-term health. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of low birth weight and to identify the associated factors in a hospital setting in Kisangani.
Material and Methods: An unmatched case-control study was used including all live and full-term births was conducted from 1 December 2023 to 31 May 2024 in the maternity wards of Makiso-Kisangani General Referral Hospital, Mangobo General Referral Hospital, Tshopo General Referral Hospital and Alwaleed Health Centre. A sample of 646 newborns was selected: 86 cases (newborns weighing less than 2500 grams) and 560 controls (newborns weighing 2500 grams or more). Factors associated with prehypertension were identified using logistic regression.
Results: The prevalence of low birth weight was 13.4%. Factors associated with low birth weight were maternal age less than 18 years, intergenital interval less than 2 years, maternal infection during pregnancy, high blood pressure, level of primary education and urban residential environment.
Conclusion: This study shows that low birth weight remains a public health problem in Kisangani. In addition to shedding light on the other contributing variables and the connections between them, prospective national research would enable the development of preventative measures.
Keywords: Prevalence, associated factors, low birth weight, Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo