CONTEXT

Newborns' low birth weight (LBW) has been linked to early infant morbidity and mortality. However, our understanding of the determinants and outcomes of LBW in this population is still poor.

AIM

This study aimed to assess determinants and outcomes of LBW among newborns at a tertiary hospital.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study at Women and Newborn Hospital in Lusaka Zambia.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

We reviewed delivery case records and neonatal files between January 1, 2018, and September 30, 2019, for newborns admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED

Logistic regression models were used to establish determinants of LBW and describe the outcomes.

RESULTS

Women living with human immunodeficiency virus infection were more likely to deliver LBW infants (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.46; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.16-1.86). Other maternal determinants of LBW were; increased parity (AOR = 1.22; 95% CI: 1.05-1.43), preeclampsia (AOR = 6.91; 95% CI: 1.48-32.36), and gestational age <37 weeks compared to 37 weeks or more (AOR = 24.83; 95% CI: 13.27-46.44). LBW neonates were at higher odds of early mortality (AOR = 2.16; 95% CI: 1.85-2.52), developing respiratory distress syndrome (AOR = 2.96; 95% CI: 2.53-3.47), and necrotizing enterocolitis (AOR = 1.66; 95% CI: 1.16-2.38) than neonates with a birth weight of 2500 g or more.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings underscore the importance of effective maternal and neonatal interventions to reduce the risk of morbidity and mortality for neonates with LBW in Zambia and other similar settings.