Maternal And Neonatal Predictors Of Extrauterine Growth Restriction Among Premature Babies In Selected Hospitals In Tanzania: A Cross Sectional Study

ABSTRACT

Background: Extrauterine growth restriction affects a large proportion of the population of infants born prematurely and contributes to under-5 mortality as well as both short and long term adverse medical, neurological and functional outcomes of the premature babies. The prevalence of EUGR and knowledge regarding predictors of EUGR in Tanzania are lacking. In this study the aim was to establish the prevalence of EUGR and associated predictors among premature babies in selected hospitals in Tanzania.

Methods: This was a Cross Sectional study of conveniently selected 146 premature babies from three purposively selected referral hospitals in Tanzania. Participants were followed for one month since delivery. EUGR was assessed by the WHO Fenton Chart. A Multivariate Logistic Regression was used to assess independent predictors of EUGR.