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Publication Details
AFRICAN RESEARCH NEXUS
SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON AFRICAN RESEARCH
Malaria has no effect on birth weight in Rwanda
Malaria Journal, Volume 8, No. 1, Article 194, Year 2009
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Description
Background. Malaria has a negative effect on pregnancy outcome, causing low birth weight, premature birth and stillbirths, particularly in areas with high malaria transmission. In Rwanda, malaria transmission intensity ranges from high to nil, probably associated with variable altitudes. Overall, the incidence decreased over the last six years (2002-2007). Therefore, the impact of malaria on birth outcomes is also expected to vary over time and space. Methods. Obstetric indicators (birth weight and pregnancy outcome) and malaria incidence were compared and analyzed to their association over time (2002-2007) and space. Birth data from 12,526 deliveries were collected from maternity registers of 11 different primary health centers located in different malaria endemic areas. Malaria data for the same communities were collected from the National Malaria Control Programme. Associations were sought with mixed effects models and logistic regression. Results. In all health centres, a significant increase of birth weight over the years was observed (p < 0.001) with a significant seasonal fluctuation. Malaria incidence had no significant effect on birth weight. There was a slight but significant decreasing effect of malaria incidence on the occurrence of premature delivery (p-value 0.045) and still birth (p-value 0.009). Altitude showed a slight but significant negative correlation with birth weight. Overall, a decrease over the years of premature delivery (p = 0.010) and still birth (p = 0.036) was observed. Conclusion. In Rwanda, birth weight and pregnancy outcome are not directly influenced by malaria, which is in contrast to many other studied areas. Although malaria incidence overall has declined and mean birth weight increased over the studied period, no direct association was found between the two. Socio-economic factors and improved nutrition could be responsible for birth weight changes in recent years. © 2009 Rulisa et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.
Authors & Co-Authors
Rulisa, Stephen R.
Rwanda, Butare
University of Rwanda
Netherlands, Amsterdam
Amsterdam Umc - University of Amsterdam
Mens, Pètra Francisca
Netherlands, Amsterdam
Amsterdam Umc - University of Amsterdam
Netherlands, Amsterdam
Royal Tropical Institute - Kit
Karema, Corine Kakizi
Rwanda, Kigali
International Center for Aids Care and Treatment Programs
Schallig, H. D. F. H.
Netherlands, Amsterdam
Amsterdam Umc - University of Amsterdam
Netherlands, Amsterdam
Royal Tropical Institute - Kit
Kaligirwa, Nadine
Netherlands, Amsterdam
Amsterdam Umc - University of Amsterdam
Rwanda, Kigali
International Center for Aids Care and Treatment Programs
Vyankandondera, Joseph
Rwanda, Butare
University of Rwanda
de Vries, Peter J.
Netherlands, Amsterdam
Amsterdam Umc - University of Amsterdam
Statistics
Citations: 7
Authors: 7
Affiliations: 4
Identifiers
Doi:
10.1186/1475-2875-8-194
e-ISSN:
14752875
Research Areas
Food Security
Health System And Policy
Infectious Diseases
Maternal And Child Health
Sexual And Reproductive Health
Study Design
Cohort Study
Study Locations
Rwanda