ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to investigate the socioeconomic, biological and behavioural factors influencing low birth weight and prematurity in Botswana. Data were from the Botswana Obstetric Record covering the years 1990 to 1995, and were analysed with both descriptive statistics and multivariate analysis. The study found that the major positive risk factors for low birth weight were: late and less frequent attendance of antenatal care services, having experienced pregnancy termination before, low or no education, unmarried motherhood and place of birth. With regard to prematurity, age, late and less frequent attendance of antenatal care services, unmarried motherhood and place of birth were found to be the major positive risk factors. The importance of early and regular antenatal care attendance, marriage and place of birth cut across both low birth weight and prematurity.
Subject(s)
Infant, Low Birth Weight , Infant, Premature , Maternal Health Services/statistics & numerical data , Adolescent , Adult , Botswana , Educational Status , Female , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Logistic Models , Male , Marital Status , Maternal Age , Pregnancy , Risk Factors , Social ClassABSTRACT
Early childbearing can have deleterious effects on pregnancy outcome. This study in Botswana found that both birth injuries and congenital abnormalities were common among infants born to teenage mothers compared to infants of women aged 20-34 years. This statistically significant relationship disappeared, however, when controls were introduced. Based on the results of this study, it appears that in order to improve pregnancy outcomes, frequent and early prenatal visits and improvements in the socioeconomic environment are needed. Thus, postponement of childbearing beyond teenage years alone would not necessarily improve pregnancy outcomes in Botswana.
