Low Birth Weight Prevalence, Risk Factors, Outcomes in Primary Health Care Setting: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Low birth weight (LBW) is defined by WHO as birth weight less than 2500 g. it is the single most important factor affecting neonatal mortality and morbidity. Furthermore, LBW babies are at an increased risk for serious health problems, ranging from neuro-developmental disabilities to respiratory disorders and cardiovascular disease at adulthood. Early comprehensive care for LBW infants in primary care setting is vital. Well-baby clinic offers a comprehensive and multidisciplinary care to children including LBW children. This study aimsto determine the prevalence, risk factors and outcome of LBW infants registered in well-baby clinic at primary health care setting. Methods: This is a Cross sectional retrospective epidemiological study has been conducted in accredited primary health care centers in Saudi Arabia. Target population is registered children in the Well-baby clinic of high risk category, born during 2014. Pre-term infants and infants with congenital anomalies were excluded. For data collection, a constructed data sheet for the variables included in the study adopted from the formal records of both: LBW infants and their mothers was used. Necessary permission to conduct the study obtained from research and ethical committee of the joint committee of family and community medicine. Confidentiality of information has been strictly adhered by assuring that no names or ID number will be recorded. Results: Babies with birth weight less than 2500 gram were taken as cases. A total number of 124 (4.39%) were included, 55 (44.4%) of them were male babies and 69 (55.6%) were female babies. The mean maternal age was 28.82 years. 10 (8.1%) of LBW babies were delivered to mothers suffering from chronic illness (mainly diabetes and hypertension). 5 (4%) of LBW babies were born to smoker mothers. 76 (61.3%) of the LBW were born to anemic mothers. 9 (7.3%) of babies were born to mothers never had regular ANC follow-up. 28 (22.6%) of LBW babies were admitted to the NICU and 111 (89.5%) cases were improved after one-year follow-up in well-baby clinic. Conclusion: The study findings suggest that four factors increase the incidence of LBW, namely smoking, anemia, mothers never had regular ANC and mother's chronic disease. It also leads to conclude that breast feeding and NICU admission are significant independent variables that have been assumed to affect the outcome of LBW during follow up at the well-baby clinic.