The Effects of Maternal Socio-Demographic and Obstetric Factors on Infant Outcomes in Malawi
Mentor 1
Kaboni W Gondwe
Location
Union Wisconsin Room
Start Date
5-4-2019 1:30 PM
End Date
5-4-2019 3:30 PM
Description
Infant birth weight and infant condition after birth are important determinant of neonatal and infant mortality. In Malawi, complications of prematurity infant infections and intrapartum complications also contribute to the high infant mortality rates. This analysis examined the predictors of infant birth weight and severity of infant conditions among preterm and full-term infants. This was a descriptive quantitative study. We used data from a parent study that examined emotional responses and mother-infant interactions on mothers of infants in Malawi. The sample included 85 infants (28 full-term infants, 29 late-preterm infants, and 28 early preterm infants). Data was analyzed using linear regression model. Backward elimination was used to retain variables in the final model. The level of significance for each statistical test was set at 0.05 (two-tailed). All statistical analyses were conducted using Statistical Analysis Software (SAS) version 9.4. Lower birthweight was associated with lower gestational age, less maternal education, female gender, and maternal history of neonatal death in previous pregnancy. Severity of infant condition was associated with lower gestational age, infants of unmarried mothers, and cesarean birth. Maternal sociodemographic characteristics and obstetrical complications predict infant’s birth weight and the severity of infant’s condition in Malawi.
The Effects of Maternal Socio-Demographic and Obstetric Factors on Infant Outcomes in Malawi
Union Wisconsin Room
Infant birth weight and infant condition after birth are important determinant of neonatal and infant mortality. In Malawi, complications of prematurity infant infections and intrapartum complications also contribute to the high infant mortality rates. This analysis examined the predictors of infant birth weight and severity of infant conditions among preterm and full-term infants. This was a descriptive quantitative study. We used data from a parent study that examined emotional responses and mother-infant interactions on mothers of infants in Malawi. The sample included 85 infants (28 full-term infants, 29 late-preterm infants, and 28 early preterm infants). Data was analyzed using linear regression model. Backward elimination was used to retain variables in the final model. The level of significance for each statistical test was set at 0.05 (two-tailed). All statistical analyses were conducted using Statistical Analysis Software (SAS) version 9.4. Lower birthweight was associated with lower gestational age, less maternal education, female gender, and maternal history of neonatal death in previous pregnancy. Severity of infant condition was associated with lower gestational age, infants of unmarried mothers, and cesarean birth. Maternal sociodemographic characteristics and obstetrical complications predict infant’s birth weight and the severity of infant’s condition in Malawi.
