TITLE:
Epidemiological Aspects and Short-Term Prognosis of Prematurity at the Issaka Gazoby Maternity Hospital in Niamey in 2024
AUTHORS:
Aboubacar Samaila, Moumouni Garba, Ibrahim Georges Thomas, Hanane Daouda Adouni, Abdou Djafar Mamoudou, Adama Gagara Mayaou, Haoua Yahaya, Amina Ali Hamani, Moumouni Kamaye
KEYWORDS:
Prematurity, Newborn, Niger
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Pediatrics,
Vol.16 No.2,
March
16,
2026
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Prematurity remains a global public health problem in low-income countries. The objective of this study was to examine the epidemiological, diagnostic, therapeutic, and short-term prognostic aspects of prematurity at the Issaka Gazoby Maternity Hospital of Niamey. Patients and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted from January to June 2024 in the Neonatology Department of the Issaka Gazoby Maternity Hospital of Niamey. The study involved premature newborns. The variables are related to the characteristics of mothers, pregnancies, and newborns. The data were processed and analyzed using Epi-Info software version 7.2.4.0. Results: The frequency of premature birth was 10.2%. Most newborns were from singleton pregnancies (74.8%). In 71.8% of cases, the prematurity was moderate. The average birth weight was 1786 ± 647.2 g [520 - 3430 g] and the average birth length was 42.2 ± 6.2 cm [35 - 50 cm]. The sex ratio was 1.3. The main signs on admission were respiratory distress (52.8%) and poor neurological behavior (20.8%). Associated pathologies were neonatal asphyxia (38%), neonatal infection (35.8%), and congenital malaria (16.5%). Kangaroo Mother Care was provided to 22.5% of newborns. One hundred and seventy-one (171) deaths were reported (42.8%). Factors associated with death included birth before 33 weeks of amenorrhea and neonatal infection (p Conclusion: Prematurity remains a real public health problem due to its frequency and the associated morbidity and mortality. The main associated comorbidities were neonatal infection and neonatal asphyxia, which were significantly associated with death.