[Analysis of data routinely collected in the maternity ward of Rutshuru in the Democratic Republic of the Congo between 1980 and 1998. II. New-born deaths and low birth weights].
This second paper aims at deriving useful information allowing to improve the strategy applied for maternal health care.


METHODS
Between 1980 and 1998, data on 13,042 deliveries were collected. Characteristics, mortality, morbidity of mothers and new-born and obstetrical interventions were recorded. The present work describes the evolution of low birth weight (LBW), new-born deaths, and associated risk factors. The statistical analyses applied included khi2, t-test, and multiple logistic regression.


RESULTS
Eighteen percent of new-born weights below 2.5 kg and 7.9% died. The proportion of low birth weights remains globally constant. Low proportions of new-born deaths were observed in 1981, 1982, 1988 and 1998. At admission, 35% of the women presented at least one of the four risks defined by the factors used for reference; this proportion went up from 26.1 to 39.2%. The four reference factors were associated with low birth weight. Baudelocque diameter and age were not associated with new-born death. Education and BMI were associated with an increased risk of new-born death. Marital status was not associated with any of the two outcomes.


CONCLUSIONS
This analysis shows small variation of LBWs and perinatal deaths. It confirms the association between these two outcomes and most of the risk factors studied. The efficacy of the strategies implemented for improving perinatal health is questioned. The authors recommend that they be reassessed.
Centre scientifique et médical de l'université libre de Bruxelles pour ses activités de coopération (Cemubac).
Etienne
E
Mugisho
Michèle
M
Dramaix
Denis
D
Porignon
Ernest
E
Musubao
Philippe
P
Hennart
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003625:Data Collection; D015023:Democratic Republic of the Congo / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007226:Infant Mortality / Q000639:trends*; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011247:Pregnancy; D012307:Risk Factors