[Risk factors for low birth weight in Brazzaville, Congo].

OBJECTIVE

To determine prevalence of low birth weight (LBW) in Brazzaville (Congo) and to identify associated risk factors.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

A case-control study was performed over a 2-month period. A total of 488 infants with LBW were compiled consecutively from May to June 2005. These subjects were compared to 488 infants with normal birth weight (2500-4000 g).

RESULTS

LBW concerned 12.4% of births. The frequency of LBW was higher among teenagers and mothers aged at least 30 years, and among mothers of low socio-economic status. The other principal risk factors of LBW were: primiparity and high parity; previous abortion; body mass index of mother inferior to 18; existent of hypertensive arterial pression, ancient or gravidic. A best control of pregnancy (number of antenatal visits>3 or at least one ultrasound) was linked with a low frequency of LBW.

CONCLUSION

Prevalence of LBW in Brazzaville was higher than in developing countries. An appropriate implementation of the National Program of Health during pregnancy and improvement of living conditions could contribute to minimize this phenomenon.