International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research

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Prevalence and Determinants of Low Birth Weight among Pregnant Women Deliveries at Muhima District Hospital in Kigali, Rwanda–2026

Author(s) Mr. IBYISHAKA Lambert, Dr. Habimana Amos, Dr. OKOVA Rosemary
Country Rwanda
Abstract Low birth weight remains a major contributor to neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide, with disproportionate impact in low- and middle-income settings. Although Rwanda has achieved notable improvements in maternal and child health indicators, urban referral hospitals continue to record considerable proportions of infants born with low birth weight. Generating facility-specific evidence on the drivers of this condition is essential for developing effective prevention strategies in urban contexts. This study sought to estimate the proportion of newborns with low birth weight at Muhima District Hospital, and to examine maternal determinants related to socio-economic background, use of antenatal services, nutritional status, and infection-related risk factors that influence birth weight outcomes. The study generated localized evidence to inform interventions aimed at reducing LBW in Kigali’s health facilities. By highlighting key determinants amenable to intervention, the findings provide practical guidance for health managers and policymakers to enhance maternal care services and improve newborn survival and wellbeing in urban Rwanda. An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Muhima District Hospital. Approximately 310 mothers who delivered live singleton infants were selected through systematic sampling and interviewed using a pretested structured questionnaire. Clinical information, including infant birth weight and gestational age, was retrieved from medical records. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 21. Descriptive statistics, including means, standard deviations, frequencies, and percentages, were used to estimate the magnitude of low birth weight. Associations between LBW and explanatory variables were first examined using bivariate techniques, including chi-square tests for categorical variables and independent sample t-tests for continuous variables. Variables demonstrating statistical significance at the bivariate level (p < 0.05) were subsequently entered into a multivariable logistic regression model to identify independent predictors of LBW while controlling for potential confounding factors. Results were presented using tables, charts, and graphical displays. The proportion of infants born with low birth weight was 10.8% (30 out of 278). Bivariate analysis revealed significant relationships between LBW and maternal body mass index, marital status, household income, parity, previous history of LBW, history of preterm delivery, number of antenatal care visits attended, gestational age at birth, and experience of food insufficiency during pregnancy. Multivariate analysis indicated that LBW was independently associated with maternal undernutrition (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] ≈ 2.9), unmarried status (AOR ≈ 2.5), low economic status (AOR ≈ 3.1), grand multiparity (AOR ≈ 4.9), prior delivery of a low birth weight infant (AOR ≈ 4.0), previous preterm birth (AOR ≈ 14.8), attendance of fewer than four antenatal care visits (AOR ≈ 5.2), and household food shortages during pregnancy (AOR ≈ 2.9). The findings demonstrate that low birth weight remains a significant problem at Muhima District Hospital and is closely linked to preventable maternal nutritional, socio-economic, obstetric, and antenatal care factors. Therefore, this study recommends strengthening maternal nutrition programs, promoting timely and adequate antenatal care attendance, reducing household food insecurity, and providing focused monitoring for women with prior adverse pregnancy outcomes. These strategies are critical for lowering the burden of low birth weight and improving neonatal health outcomes in Rwanda.
Keywords Low birth weight, maternal nutrition, antenatal care, food insecurity, preterm birth, maternal determinants, neonatal health, Rwanda.
Field Medical / Pharmacy
Published In Volume 8, Issue 3, May-June 2026
Published On 2026-06-13
DOI https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i03.81117
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CrossRef DOI prefix of IJFMR is 10.36948/ijfmr

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