Prevalence, Hematological Indices and Factors Associated with Small for Gestational Age Among Neonates Delivered at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital.
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Date
2023-11
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Kampala International University
Abstract
Introduction: The incidence of Small for Gestational Age (SGA), it remains a global public health problem, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. In Countries such as Uganda where insufficient resources are allocated for health care services, the burden of SGA constitutes a significant public health issue.
The study aimed at determining the prevalence, hematological indices and factors associated with small for gestational age among neonates at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital.
Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional hospital based study among neonate-mother pairs. Participants were enrolled consecutively until the sample size of 404 was achieved. The prevalence of SGA was analyzed as percentage with its corresponding 95% CI. To determine factors associated with SGA, univariate analysis, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were run. Both unadjusted (crude) Odds Ratios with their corresponding 95% Confidence Interval (CI) and adjusted OR with their corresponding 95% CI were reported. To determine hematological indices of the neonates, variables were described in terms of mean, standard deviation, min, max and comparisons were made between SGA and Appropriate for Gestational Age (AGA).
Results: The prevalence of small for gestational age was 21.30% (86/404) at a 95% CI of 17.26% – 25.38%. The factors independently associated with SGA were: Prematurity (aOR 5.22, 95%CI 2.89-13.54, P= 0.04), Maternal age of 23 – 29 years (aOR 0.11, 95%CI 0.02-0.58, P=0.009), secondary level of education (aOR 0.11, 95%CI 0.03-0.46, P=0.003), Parity of 5 – 6 (aOR 46.92, 95%CI 2.44-904.14, P=0.011), >4 ANC visits (aOR 0.11, 95%CI 0.03-0.35, P<0.001), Multiple pregnancy (aOR 3.27, 95%CI 1.41-7.62, P=0.006), Negative history of complications during pregnancy (aOR 0.19, 95%CI 0.09-0.42, P<0.001) and having no malaria during pregnancy (aOR 0.36, 95%CI 0.15-0.84, P=0.018).
Conclusion:
1. The prevalence of SGA among neonates at JRRH was high (21.30%)
2. The results of the study highlighted the significance of maternal health, prenatal care, and pregnancy-related complications in fetal growth and development.
3. The data on hematological indices in SGA neonates can contribute to the understanding of hematological profiles among SGA neonates and may have implications for their medical care and management.
Recommendations
Implement educational programs directed at pregnant women to emphasize the importance of prenatal care, good nutrition, and healthy lifestyle choices throughout pregnancy. Regular Comprehensive ANC. Malaria Prevention and Management. Long-term follow-up studies to evaluate the health and developmental outcomes of SGA newborns