Prevalence of Low Birth Weight in Mbuji-Mayi City, Democratic Republic of Congo

Abstract

Low birth weight is a major public health problem, both in developed countries and developing countries, by its magnitude and its strong association with morbidity and mortality. The aim in this study was to determine the prevalence of low birth weight in Mbuji-Mayi. This is a descriptive study conducted in the city of Mbuji-Mayi in three health zones targeted by the study which DUILU, Dibindi and KANSELE among natal women and their newborns respectively registered for the period of one month, from 1 June to 30 June 2015. Data were collected in an integrated way. The following observations were made: in the study period, 1266 women were interviewed. After analysis: the prevalence of low weight was 14.3%; gestational age at birth superior to 36 SA represented 89.9% and 50.6% of newborns were female.