[Factors associated with low birth weight: a multivariate analysis].

Low birth weight (LBW) in infants remains problematic in both developed and developing countries. Sometimes in Cotonou Benin 18% of infants born weigh less than 2500 g. Almost 35% of these LBW infants contribute to Benin’s overall infant mortality rate while surviving LBW infants require special care. Results are presented from a study conducted in Cotonou to analyze risk factors associated with LBW. 4213 pregnant women in 1991 were recruited from public and private maternity wards in Cotonou during their first prenatal visit of whom 4113 were finally included in the study. 83% of these women were 20-34 years old while 7% were adolescents under 20 years old. Approximately 75% had already given birth to at least one child. Study results confirm the high prevalence of LBW infants in urban Cotonou despite the efforts of health personnel. Multivariate analysis of the data identified biological psychosocial and sociodemographic risk factors as well as prenatal care-related factors. Metrorrhagia was the major factor predicting child birth. This factor is followed by maternal malnutrition. These findings fit those from other similar studies in developing countries. Women’s attitude about pregnancy is also a factor but the nature of its influence is poorly documented in African literature. Proper pregnancy follow-up women’s nutrition prior to pregnancy discouraging smoking use of insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets and the proper use of prenatal care can help prevent the development of LBW infants.