Prevalence and factors associated with small for gestational age among women who delivered at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, Western Uganda: A cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Abstract Background: Small for gestation age (SGA) is a common problem in low and middle income countries (LMIC) and has important adverse effects on subsequent survival, health, growth and development independently of the gestational age. The complications of SGA occur during the neonatal period, throughout childhood and beyond. Methods: A descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence and factors associated with SGA among women who delivered at the maternity ward of Hoima Regional Referral Hospital (HRRH). Data was collected from August to October 2022 using questionnaire interview and physical examination. SGA was defined as a birthweight lower than the 10th centile for a specific completed gestational age by gender, using the Alexander reference population. Data was analysed using SPSS 27.0 statistics for windows. The prevalence of SGA was determined as proportion, whereas binary logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with SGA. A p-value <0.05 was considered for statistical significance both at bivariate and multivariable level. Results: Of the 236 participants, 44(18.6%) were SGA. SGA was dependent of positive HIV serologic status [p=0,01; aOR 5.41(2.99-9.80)], undernutrition [p=0,001; aOR 3.22(1.95-5.33)], oligohydramnios [p=0,02; aOR 1.83(1.01-3.31)], and prematurity [p=0,02; aOR 2.87(1.21-6.82)]. Conclusion: The prevalence of SGA was relatively high among women who attended HRRH. HIV, undernutrition, oligohydramnios, and prematurity were consistently associated with the occurrence of SGA births. HIV prevention and care, antenatal visits, and good feeding practices among pregnant women are vital interventions to reduce the prevalence of SGA.