A simplified method of estimating gestational age in an African population.

An abbreviated and simplified method of assessment of gestational age was developed for an African population. A total of 508 infants who were appropriate for gestational age from three hospitals in Benin City, Nigeria, were examined with the Dubowitz scoring system to determine its reliability for an African population. Then an abbreviated and simplified form of this test was used, which correlated well with the full Dubowitz test system. This more rapid assessment was useful in distinguishing subgroups of low-birthweight infants. It was used reliably by various health personnel and is recommended for routine assessment of newborn infants in African populations.