Dissertation (MSc Paediatric Nursing)
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.
Results: The mean age of the mothers was 25.66 ± 5.86 years. Majority of the
premature babies were male and their mean birth weight was 1,636.16 ± 405.95g.
The prevalence of EUGR as assessed by weight was 63%, 66.4% as assessed by
length and 45.2% as assessed by head circumference. Multivariate Logistic
Regression showed that premature babies who were born through SVD were more
than twice likely to develop EUGR compared to those who were born through
caesarian section (AOR 2.192: 95% CI 1.052-4.566; p=0.036). The late premature
babies were 10 times less likely to develop EUGR (AOR 0.092: 95 %CI: 0.031-
0.272; p=0.000). Premature babies who had IUGR as assessed by head
circumference and length at birth were significantly less likely to develop EUGR
(p<0.05).
Conclusion: Extrauterine growth restriction is a major problem among premature
babies in Tanzania. Premature babies born through spontaneous vertex delivery were
more likely to develop and late premature babies have decreased likelihood of
developing EUGR. Premature babies with IUGR as assessed by length and head
circumference have decreased risk of developing EUGR.