Relationship between infant birth weight s;2000gms. and maternal zinc levels at. Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar-es-salaam Tanzania

Abstract

Background The incidence of Low Birth Weight (LBW) in Tanzania is among the highest in the world. It accounts for more than 16% of all deliveries. Despite efforts by the Ministry of Health (MOH) using different intervention measures to reduce it, there are no improvement as shown by the data of 1979 (15%), 1990 (16%) and on recent estimates of 2000 and 2001 (18%). LBW is a reliable indicator of (risk of death, growth failure, neurodevelopment problems, recurrent infections and hospitalization). There is a need to reduce the incidence of LBW. Maternal zinc deficiency has been noted in a number of settings to impair growth and development of the fetus. In Tanzania, there is little information on zinc deficiency and its effect on birth weight of infants. However, based on dietary intakes of many communities, it is likely that zinc deficiency is a problem. Study objective To determine the relationship between infant birth weight ;s; 2000gms and maternal zinc status. Study design Unmatched case control.