Birth weight by gestational age and congenital malformations in Northern Ethiopia

Abstract

BackgroundStudies on birth weight and congenital anomalies in sub-Saharan regions are scarce.MethodsData on child variables (gestational age, birth weight, sex, and congenital malformations) and maternal variables (gravidity, parity, antenatal care, previous abortions, maternal illness, age, medication, and malformation history) were collected for all neonates delivered at Ayder referral and Mekelle hospitals (Northern Ehthiopia) in a prospective study between 01-12-2011 and 01-05-2012.ResultsThe total number of deliveries was 1516. More female (54%) than male neonates were born. Birth weights were 700-1,000 grams between 26 and 36 weeks of pregnancy and then increased linearly to 3,500-4,000 grams at 40 weeks. Thirty-five and 54% of neonates were very-low and low birth weight, respectively, without sex difference. Very-low birth-weight prevalence was not affected by parity. Male and female neonates from parity-2 and parity-2-4 mothers, respectively, were least frequently under weight. Sixty percent of newborns to parity -3 mothers weighed less than 2,500 grams, without sex difference. The percentage male neonates dropped from ~50% in parity-1-3 mothers to ~20% in parity-6 mothers. Diagnosed congenital malformations (~2%) were 2-fold more frequent in boys than girls. The commonest malformations were in the central nervous system (CNS; ~1.5% of newborns). Parity, low birth weight, gestational age less than 35 weeks, male sex, and lack of antenatal care were the most significant risk factors for congenital anomalies.ConclusionThe high prevalence of neonates with low birth weight and CNS anomalies in Northern Ethiopia was very high. The findings may reflect the harsh conditions in the past 2 decades and suggest environmental and/or nutritional causes. Male sex and parity affected the outcome of pregnancy negatively.

A National Census of Birth Weight in Purebred Dogs in Italy

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Prevalence and associated factors of underweight among children 6–59 months of age in Takusa district, Northwest Ethiopia

“…Lack of dietary diversity and micronutrient-dense food consumption and poor child feeding practices contribute to the high rate of child under nutrition. Various reports also indicate that underweight in children is mainly caused by inadequate food intake [ 7 , 8 ], repeated infections [ 9 – 11 ], low parental education [ 12 – 14 ], lack of sanitation [ 15 ], poor feeding practices [ 16 ], no ANC [ 17 – 19 ], residence [ 20 ], child rearing practices [ 21 ], economic [ 21 , 22 ], social, and cultural factors [ 23 ].…”

Development and Validation of a Risk Score to Predict Low Birthweight Using Characteristics of the Mother: A Prospective Cohort Study

“…The prevalence in LMICs (16.5%) is twice higher than in high-income countries (7%) [2]. In Ethiopia, LBW rate varies across geographical areas, which ranges from 8% to 54% [3][4][5][6], showing a huge variation across geographical settings and time periods. A recent systematic review showed a pooled estimate of 17.3% in Ethiopia [7], which implies it still remains an important public health problem in the country.…”