[Growth velocity and survival of full-term low birth weight infants in an African rural area (Burkina Faso)].
The objective of the study was to compare weight gain and mortality between full-term low birth weight (LBW) and normal birth weight (NBW) children.


METHODS
One hundred and fifty-five full-term children born with LBW (<2500 g) and 280 NBW were recruited retrospectively in a rural health district of Burkina. Growth velocity, maternal characteristics and socio-economic status of families were investigated.


RESULTS
Difference in weight means between the two groups decreased gradually from 3 months of age and did no more significantly differ from 8 months (P = 0.213). LBW, higher mother's BMI and number of antenatal care visits were associated with higher weight gain at 7 months. Lower weight gain was observed in children whose mothers had no education or high parity. Mortality risk was higher for LBW children (RR = 4.53; P = 0.005). LBW children's weight gain at 3 months was better than that of NBW infants. Nevertheless LBW children had a high mortality risk in the first year of life.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest that it could be interesting to focus early attention on LBW children without spontaneous catch up growth, to improve maternal nutritional status and girl's education.
Kabore
P
P
District de Barsalogho, région sanitaire de Kaya, BP 90, Burkina Faso. kabpaty@yahoo.fr
Potvliege
C
C
Sanou
H
H
Bawhere
P
P
Dramaix
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001835:Body Weight; D002050:Burkina Faso; D002657:Child Development; D003906:Developing Countries; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007226:Infant Mortality; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008423:Maternal Age; D008875:Middle Aged; D009752:Nutritional Status; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012424:Rural Population; D016019:Survival Analysis; D015430:Weight Gain