Sahel Medical Journal

ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Year
: 2006  |  Volume : 9  |  Issue : 1  |  Page : 19--22

The birth weight of apparently healthy Nigerian newborns in Sokoto


BO Onankpa, KI Airede, H Ahmed, NM Jiya 
 Department of Paediatrics, Usmanu Danfodiyo U niversity Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto, Nigeria

Correspondence Address:
B O Onankpa
Department of Paediatrics Usmanu Danfodi yo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto
Nigeria

Objective: To determine the birth weight of apparently healthy newborns delivered at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital , Sokoto, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was carried out between July 1, 2003 and June 30, 2004. The criteria were book ed mothers, mothers with regular menstrual cycles, availability of mothers last menstrual period ΁ report of an obstetric ultrasound scan and absence of first trimester vaginal bleeding. Maternal weight, height, birth order and socioeconomic status were also obtained . 253 babies were enrolled. Results: There were 131 males and 122 females giving a male: female ratio of 1.1:1.Gestational age by maternal dates ranged from 28 to 44 weeks. There was a consistent Increase In mean values of weight as the gestational age increased . The mean (SEM) weight for 24 babies of <33 weeks was 1146.82(79.49) grams. 43 babies,≥33 to <37 weeks had mean (SEM) weight of 2007.25(66 .01) grams, 140 babies,≥ 37 to < 42 weeks had mean ( SEM ) weight of 3065(60.95) grams, and 46 babies, > 42 weeks had mean(SEM) weight of 3668.48(106.63 ) grams. The mean birth weight of the 253 infants In the study was 2472grams. Social class effect on birth weights recorded showed a higher birth weight series for social class I and II, and least for social class IV. Conclusion: These findings are at variance from studies elsewhere within the country. The birth weight remains an Important factor for a continuing re-appraisal of any nations health care delivery system.


How to cite this article:
Onankpa B O, Airede K I, Ahmed H, Jiya N M. The birth weight of apparently healthy Nigerian newborns in Sokoto .Sahel Med J 2006;9:19-22


How to cite this URL:
Onankpa B O, Airede K I, Ahmed H, Jiya N M. The birth weight of apparently healthy Nigerian newborns in Sokoto . Sahel Med J [serial online] 2006 [cited 2024 Mar 29 ];9:19-22
Available from: https://www.smjonline.org/article.asp?issn=1118-8561;year=2006;volume=9;issue=1;spage=19;epage=22;aulast=Onankpa;type=0