Trend and Seasonality in Admission and Outcome of Low Birthweight Infants in Gwagwalada-Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Low birthweight is an important contributor to neonatal morbidity and mortality. Various interventions have been instituted toward the reduction in the incidence of low birthweight deliveries and admissions. Knowledge of the current trend and seasonality in low birthweight admission is required in the control of the condition. Objectives: To determine the trend and seasonality in admission and outcome of low birthweight deliveries. Methods: Retrospective review of records of babies admitted into the Special Care Baby Unit of University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, with birthweights below 2500 grams over a 5-year period, from January 2006 through December, 2010, was undertaken and the data obtained were analyzed using Epi Info version 3.5.2 software. A p value of <0.05 was set as point of statistical significance. Results: A total of 4358 babies were admitted into the Special Care Baby Unit during the study period, out of which 502 had low birthweight. Thus the unit’s prevalence of low birthweight is 11.5%. The proportion of infants admitted with low birthweight was fairly constant over the years but there was variation in monthly distribution. On the overall, survival rate steadily increased from 65.5% in 2006 to 76.0% in 2009 at an average rate of 2.6% per annum. Babies admitted during the wet/rainy season had higher mortality rate (27.6% versus 17.7%). Conclusion: Low birthweight has continued to be one of the major reasons for admission of infants in the locale of study. Significant seasonal pattern in the outcome of infants with low birthweight exists. Reasons for seasonality in low birthweight admission and outcome are subjects of further studies.