Impact of malaria during pregnancy on low birth weight in sub-Saharan Africa.

Birth Weight in Sub-Saharan Africa Impact of Malaria during Pregnancy on Low

Maternal Malaria, Birth Size and Blood Pressure in Nigerian Newborns: Insights into the Developmental Origins of Hypertension from the Ibadan Growth Cohort

BACKGROUND Hypertension is an increasing health issue in sub-Saharan Africa where malaria remains common in pregnancy. We established a birth cohort in Nigeria to evaluate the early impact of maternal malaria on newborn blood pressure (BP). METHODS Anthropometric measurements, BP, blood films for malaria parasites and haematocrit were obtained in 436 mother-baby pairs. Women were grouped to d...

The potential benefit of scaling up malaria prevention to reduce low birth weight in Africa

Low birth weight (LBW) is one of the most important risk factors for neonatal mortality and morbidity, childhood stunting, reduced cognitive development, and chronic diseases later in life. In sub-Saharan Africa, where the burden of LBW is very high, Plasmodium falciparum malaria is one of the major causes, contributing to an estimated 20% of LBW cases [1]. A new report suggests that substantia...

Adolescence As Risk Factor for Adverse Pregnancy Outcome in Central Africa – A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest rates of maternal and neonatal mortality worldwide. Young maternal age at delivery has been proposed as risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcome, yet there is insufficient data from Sub-Saharan Africa. The present study aimed to investigate the influence of maternal adolescence on pregnancy outcomes in the Central African country Gabon. METHODOLO...

Utilisation of malaria preventive measures during pregnancy and birth outcomes in Ibadan, Nigeria

BACKGROUND Malaria remains a major public health problem in sub Saharan Africa and the extent of utilisation of malaria preventive measures may impact on the burden of malaria in pregnancy. This study sought to determine the association between malaria preventive measures utilized during pregnancy and the birth outcomes of birth weight and preterm delivery. METHODS This cross sectional survey...