Anaemia and low birthweight in western Sudan

Abstract

This study was conducted between April and June 2008 in the labour ward of Elfasher Hospital in western Sudan to investigate the prevalence of and risk factors for low birthweight (LBW; <2500 g). Among 430 singleton births, 64 (14.9%) of the neonates had LBW. Although maternal sociodemographic characteristics and anthropometric measurements were not associated with LBW, maternal anaemia was the main risk factor for LBW (odds ratio: 5.1, 95% CI 1.7-15.2; P = 0.003). Thus more attention to maternal nutrition and the prevention of anaemia may prevent LBW in this setting. © 2009 Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.