Background Low birth weight (LBW) is a major public health problem worldwide that is linked to childhood morbidity and mortality. Newborns considered ‘Very LBW’ have a high risk of disease and death during infancy. Maternal socioeconomic status, medical factors, and lifestyle are linked to LBW, but these factors remain unknown in Rwanda is unknown. Objective To describe the factors associated with LBW among newborns at a selected referral hospital in Rwanda. Methods A prospective, cross-sectional design study was used to assess 108 mothers who delivered a low birth weight newborn. Results Mothers had a mean age of 30.6 years, 79.6% married, 23.1% primary educated, 50.6% unemployed, and 61.9% lived in a rural area. The majority of LBW (63%) were in the first category of LBW (2500-1500g), and over a quarter (25.9%) with Very LBW (VLBW). Mothers were 89.7% multigravida, and 88.8% had a previous unsuccessful pregnancy, 81.3% premature birth, 97.9% LBW. Over half, 59.8% had hypertension during pregnancy. Lifestyle included 45.5% doing strenuous work, and 50.9% heavy lifting during pregnancy. The level of education (p=0.009), spouse employment (p=0.017), having previous premature baby (p=0.025), previous history of miscarriage (p=0.028), presence of hypertension (p=0.020) and antenatal care visits (p=0.025) the trimester of miscarriage were significantly associated to type of low birth weight. Conclusion Demographic, pregnancy history and lifestyle factors remain a concern to mothers and neonates born with low birth weight. Educational awareness campaigns among mothers with the factors above are crucial to reduce morbidity and mortality related to low birth weight. Rwanda J Med Health Sci 2020;3(2):214-224
Background Neonatal mortality is a worldwide concern, especially in sub-Sahara Africa. Millions of newborn deaths could be prevented with quality care at birth. Objective To identify immediate newborn care provided by birth attendants and associated outcomes in the delivery room of a district hospital in Kabgayi, Rwanda. Methods This study used a descriptive cross-sectional design and convenience sampling strategy. The sample of 171 newborns and birth attendants were observed in the delivery room using a standardized checklist during April and May 2019. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data. Results The majority (65.5%) of newborns were female, and at term (93.6%). The majority had mouth and nose cleared (60%), dried thoroughly (75.4%), wet cloth removed (57.3%), delayed umbilical cord clamping (67.3%), and immediate skin-to-skin contact (67.3%). Limited interventions included APGAR evaluation (28%) and breastfeeding within the first hour (36.6%). The majority of 135(78.9%) were stable, and none died. Conclusion The majority of the study population was stable, though all newborns did not benefit from standard immediate newborn care. To reduce neonatal mortality and morbidity in Rwanda, we need to redouble efforts to strengthen the quality of immediate newborn care. Future research is needed to identify effective training to improve newborn outcomes at birth. Rwanda J Med Health Sci 2020;3(2):238-249
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