Factors associated with low birth weight at Tchamba District Hospital, Togo: 2014 to 2016

In 2013, in Togo, the Demographic and Health Survey III estimated the proportion of low birth weight at 10%. The objective of this study was to determine the factors associated with low birth weight in Togo. We conducted a case-control study on newborn records from Tchamba Hospital from 2014 to 2016. Cases were newborns with birth weight strictly below 2500 g whereas controls were those with a weight greater than or equal to 2500 g. There was one case for every two controls. Odd ratios were estimated using a multivariate logistic regression analysis. The sample consisted of 305 cases and 610 controls. Factors associated with low birth weight were gestational age less than 37 weeks (OR = 62.60, 95%CI [24.51 - 159.87], p 0.0001), maternal age below 18 years (OR = 2.41, 95%CI [1.11 - 5.22], p = 0.026), non-use of long-lasting treated mosquito nets (OR = 5.3, 95%CI [3.42 - 8.18], p ≤ 0,0001), and severe malaria during pregnancy (OR = 3.7, 95%CI [1.24 -11.04], p = 0.019). Almost all factors associated with low birth weight identified could be modified. We recommend raising awareness about the risk factors of low birth weight and malaria prevention. Key words: Associated factors, low birth weight, newborn, Tchamba, Togo