TITLE:
Low Birth Weight Newborns: Diagnostic Challenges and Management in African Hospital Settings
AUTHORS:
Idrissa Basse, Aliou Abdoulaye Ndongo, Najah Fatou Coly, Hornella Bonning Noumen Petga, Emmanuel Aganze Bashi, Serigne Lamine Badji, Djibril Boiro, Lamine Thiam, Ndiogou Seck, Ndeye Ramatoulaye Diagne Gueye
KEYWORDS:
Low Birth Weight, Prematurity, Risk Factors
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Pediatrics,
Vol.16 No.1,
January
23,
2026
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Low birth weight (LBW) is a major public health issue in African countries. It is one of the main risk factors for neonatal morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to assess the epidemiological, diagnostic aspects, and the outcome of low birth weight newborns in a hospital setting. Methodology: This was a retrospective, descriptive, and analytical study conducted from January 2023 to June 2024. Statistical analysis was performed using the software Epi Info (version 7.2.2.6) and Microsoft Excel 2019. Results: The prevalence was 27.6% (n = 358). The average maternal age was 23.66 years. Most mothers were aged 19 years and younger (31.25%). First-time mothers were the most common (35.34%). There were multiple pregnancies in 29.04% of cases. Most mothers had fewer than 4 prenatal visits (63.84%) and gave birth to preterm newborns in 75.28% of cases. The most common maternal pathologies were anemia (49.57%) and hypertension (21.00%). Prematurity (p Conclusion: Most of the risk factors for LBW are modifiable. It is therefore necessary to prevent them by implementing targeted health policies that would help reduce the occurrence of complications and the neonatal mortality rate.