Abstract:
Introduction: Low birth weight is found as a major public health problem both in developed
and developing countries; it is highly linked to childhood morbidity and mortality. Though,
very low birth weight has a high risk of death and disease during the first year of life. Hence,
maternal socio-economy status, medical factors and life style are linked to a low birth weight.
Purpose: This study will assess the social demographic, medical factors and maternal life
style factors associated with low birth weight among new born in selected Rwandan Referral
Hospital.
Objectives: To describe the social demographic, medical factors and maternal life style
factors of low birth weight at selected Rwandan referral hospital and to determine the risk
factors associated with low birth weight
Methodology: Quantitative approach with descriptive cross-sectional design was used. A
census sample of 108 was selected using purposive sampling strategy. Self-administered
questionnaire and medical birth registry was used to collect data in two months (March and
April 2019). Data was coded and entered into the Statistical Package for the Social Science
version 21. Descriptive and inferential statistics of chi square test was performed to analyse
the data. .
Results: The mean age of participants is 30.69 with 79.6% married mothers. The education
level is dominated by primary graduates (23.1%) with 50.95 unemployed whereas 61.9% live
in rural areas. 89.7% are multigravida with 88.8% pregnancy unsuccessful. The previous
premature birth was 81.3% with 97.9% of low birth weight. Vaginal (45.4%) and urinary
tract (50.9%) infection are also reported. Hypertension was reported at 59.8% whereas
50.5%, 50.5%, 45.9%, 47.5% had experienced lower backache. Education level (p= 0.009),
employment (p= 0.017), previous premature outcome (p=0.025), miscarriage (p=0.028),
hypertension (0.020), pain when urinating (p=0.056), meals frequency (p=0.009) and
consultation in ANC visits (p=0.045) are significantly associated with low birth weight.
Conclusion: Four Antenatal care visits and consultation by gynaecologist obstetrician during
ANC visits should be strengthened the maternal- child health in Rwanda. The awareness
towards heavier physical activities during pregnancy should be taken as major concern.
Negative past gyneco-obst antecedents should be taken into consideration during a
subsequent pregnancy.
