The purpose of our study is to evaluate the role of several maternal factors that would contribute to low birth weight (LBW) and to what extend they would affect the birth weight. The main objectives is to look at the LBW incidence, risk factors and immediate perinatal outcomes from 2008-2009 in Zimbabwe and make a comparison with normal weight babies. In addition, it tries to illustrate any relationship between LBW and the several suspected contributing factors to immediate outcome (fetal condition on delivery).
Low birth weight (LBW) has been defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as weight at birth less than 2 500 grams (5.5 pounds). This practical cut-off for international comparison is based on epidemiological observations that infants weighing less than 2 500 g are approximately 20 times more likely to die than heavier babies. A birth weight below 2 500 g contributes to a range of poor health outcomes and this is more common in developing than developed countries.
According to the 2002 census, Zimbabwe has 11.6 million people. Infant mortality rates (IMR) climbed from 53 to 81 deaths per 1000 from 1960 to 2008. Also 2/3 of childhood deaths occur during infancy, with more than a third taking place during the 1st month of life. Estimates of unemployment rate are around 85-90%. As of 2009, 1.2 million Zimbabweans live with HIV. By end of 2008 the health system had more or less collapsed. Three of Zimbabwe’s four major hospitals (Mpilo was the exception) had shut down, along with University of Zimbabwe’s Medical School.
Table of Contents
1. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
2. OBJECTIVES
3. ASSUMPTIONS
4. STUDY POPULATION
5. BACKGROUND
6. METHODOLOGY
7. LIMITATIONS
8. RESULTS
9. DISCUSSION
10. CONCLUSION
Objectives and Scope of the Study
This study evaluates the role of various maternal factors contributing to low birth weight (LBW) at Mpilo Central Hospital, specifically during a period of socio-economic and political instability. The research aims to identify risk factors, assess their impact on birth outcomes, and provide a comparison between 2008 and 2009 data.
- Analysis of LBW incidence and risk factors compared to normal weight births.
- Evaluation of maternal factors and their direct effect on neonatal birth weight.
- Examination of the relationship between LBW and immediate perinatal outcomes, including Apgar scores.
- Investigation of seasonal and annual birth weight trends during the Zimbabwean crisis period.
- Identification and quantification of specific risk factors for preterm versus term LBW deliveries.
Excerpt from the Book
5. BACKGROUND
Low birthweight (LBW) has been defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as weight at birth less than 2 500 grams (5.5 pounds). This practical cut-off for international comparison is based on epidemiological observations that infants weighing less than 2 500 g are approximately 20 times more likely to die than heavier babies. A birthweight below 2 500 g contributes to a range of poor health outcomes and this is more common in developing than developed countries.
The goal of reducing low birthweight incidence by at least one third between 2000 and 2010 is one of the major goals in ‘A World Fit for Children,’ the Declaration and Plan of Action adopted at the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on Children in 2002. The reduction of low birthweight also forms an important contribution to the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) for reducing child mortality. Activities towards the achievement of the MDGs will need to ensure a healthy start in life for children by making certain that women commence pregnancy healthy and well nourished, and go through pregnancy and childbirth safely. Low birthweight is therefore an important indicator for monitoring progress towards these internationally agreed-upon goals 41. Low birth weight may arise for different reasons, one related to gestational age and the other corresponding to births that are small for gestational age (SGA). The cohort of LBW is likely to reflect two effects; short gestational age (preterm delivery) and SGA. SGA usually arises from intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR) 11. Preterm delivery is defined as delivery before 37 completed weeks of gestation. Small for gestational age infants are those whose weights are below the 10th percentile for their gestational age 27.
Summary of Chapters
1. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Outlines the goal of evaluating maternal factors associated with low birth weight and their influence on immediate outcomes.
2. OBJECTIVES: Defines the seven specific research goals, including incidence analysis and the identification of risk factors.
3. ASSUMPTIONS: Lists the preliminary hypotheses regarding factors like HIV status, socio-economic conditions, and obstetric history affecting birth weight.
4. STUDY POPULATION: Provides context on the demographic, health, and economic environment in Zimbabwe and the specific maternity setting at Mpilo Central Hospital.
5. BACKGROUND: Reviews the global definition of LBW, its implications for child mortality, and established clinical risk factors.
6. METHODOLOGY: Describes the retrospective matched control study design, data collection, and statistical methods used for 2345 patients.
7. LIMITATIONS: Acknowledges the constraints of the study, such as the period covered and missing variables in the registration system.
8. RESULTS: Presents the findings through a series of figures depicting maternal age, residence, booking status, and birth outcomes.
9. DISCUSSION: Analyzes the study findings in relation to gestational age, psychosocial stress, maternal factors, and HIV status.
10. CONCLUSION: Summarizes the study’s contributions and suggests future research priorities for improving perinatal care in resource-poor settings.
Keywords
Low Birth Weight, LBW, Perinatal Outcomes, Mpilo Central Hospital, Maternal Factors, Preterm Delivery, Intrauterine Growth Restriction, IUGR, Gestational Age, HIV, Antenatal Care, Zimbabwe, Obstetric History, Apgar Score, Morbidity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The research focuses on identifying the risk factors and perinatal outcomes associated with low birth weight (LBW) babies at Mpilo Central Hospital in Zimbabwe during a period of significant socio-economic crisis.
What are the primary themes addressed in this work?
The study examines maternal factors (e.g., age, parity, booking status, HIV status), the impact of the Zimbabwean political and economic turmoil on birth weights, and correlations between birth weight and neonatal health outcomes like Apgar scores.
What is the main objective of the study?
The primary objective is to evaluate how various maternal and environmental factors contributed to the incidence of LBW during 2008-2009 and to assess the impact of these factors on immediate newborn outcomes.
Which scientific methodology was utilized?
The author conducted a retrospective, descriptive matched control study, analyzing data from the Maternal Delivery Registry of 2345 patients using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software.
What topics are covered in the main body of the work?
The main body covers the study population background, detailed statistical results presented in numerous charts, and an extensive discussion on variables like gestational age, prenatal stress, and HIV treatment regimens.
Which keywords best describe this study?
Key terms include Low Birth Weight (LBW), Perinatal Outcomes, Maternal Risk Factors, Preterm Delivery, and Antenatal Care.
How did the socio-economic situation in Zimbabwe affect the study's findings?
The study highlights how the health system's near-collapse, hyperinflation, and the exodus of health professionals likely exacerbated risks for mothers, with the author specifically noting the influence of the crisis on birth weight trends between 2008 and 2009.
What did the study reveal about the relationship between HIV status and birth weight?
The findings showed that while HIV positive status did not show a statistically significant variation in birth weight compared to non-infected mothers in this specific dataset, the type of ART regimen administered to the mother was a key variable examined in relation to neonatal health.
What role does gestation play in the findings?
Gestational age was identified as a significant factor for birth weight, with clear evidence that babies delivered at a shorter gestation were more likely to have a lower birth weight and lower Apgar scores.
Why were twin deliveries excluded from the study?
Multiple gestation deliveries were excluded to ensure a more accurate assessment of individual birth weight risk factors and to prevent skewing the data related to singleton birth outcomes.
- Quote paper
- Elton Sengurayi (Author), 2013, Low birth weight babies. Risk factors and perinatal outcomes in Zimbabwe, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/539233
