FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH LOW BIRTHWEIGHT

Nearly 2.5 million newborns die every year worldwide. In 2019 sub-Saharan Africa was the region with the highest rate with 27 deaths per 1000 live births. More than 80% of these deaths are caused by birth weight anomalies notably low birth weight (LBW) which is a real public health problem.The aim of this cross-sectional analytical study carried out in the Bumbu health zone was to identify associated factors with a view to contributing to the reduction of neonatal and infant mortality.The prevalence of LBW was 11.48%. The associated factors identified were: extreme maternity ages i.e. 15 to 19 years [ORa:16.54 ] and 35 to 49 years [ORa:9.18]; primiparity [ORa:3.62]; poor ANC follow-up [ORa:4.18] and low household income [ORa:2.05].Thus women's empowerment and awareness of the risk of early and late childbearing must be strengthened; also promote the performance of quality ANC (≥4) with special follow-up of primiparous adolescents in order to reduce the risk of LBW occurrence.