Determinants and outcomes of low birth weight among newborns at a Tertiary Hospital in Zambia: A retrospective cohort study

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study aimed to assess determinants and outcomes of LBW among newborns at a tertiary hospital. Settings and Design: Retrospective cohort study at Women and Newborn Hospital in Lusaka Zambia. Subjects and Methods: We reviewed delivery case records and neonatal files between January 1, 2018, and September 30, 2019, for newborns admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. Statistical Analysis Used Logistic regression models were used to establish determinants of LBW and describe the outcomes. Results: Women living with human immunodeficiency virus infection were more likely to deliver LBW infants (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.46; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.16­1.86). Other maternal determinants of LBW were; increased parity (AOR = 1.22; 95% CI 1.05­1.43), preeclampsia (AOR = 6.91; 95% CI 1.48­32.36), and gestational age <37 weeks compared to 37 weeks or more (AOR = 24.83; 95% CI 13.27­46.44). LBW neonates were at higher odds of early mortality (AOR = 2.16; 95% CI 1.85­2.52), developing respiratory distress syndrome (AOR = 2.96; 95% CI 2.53­3.47), and necrotizing enterocolitis (AOR = 1.66; 95% CI 1.16­2.38) than neonates with a birth weight of 2500 g or more. Conclusions: These findings underscore the importance of effective maternal and neonatal interventions to reduce the risk of morbidity and mortality for neonates with LBW in Zambia and other similar settings.