Factors Determining Hemoglobin Levels in Vaginally Delivered Term Newborns at Public Hospitals in Lusaka, Zambia

Background In developing countries, prevalence of newborn anemia is high due to various maternal, newborn and placental factors . Early recognition and intervention are crucial to prevent complications and reduce infant morbidity and mortality. Subject and methods Data on 489 mother-singleton, term newborn pairs from six public hospitals in Lusaka was analyzed to determine the prevalence of newborn anemia and its associated risk factors. Anemia was defined as hemoglobin levels below 15g/dl for newborns and 11g/dl for mothers. The relationship between the variables was assessed using Chi-square tests and a binary logistic regression model, with the findings reported in terms of p-values, odds ratios, and 95% confidence intervals. Results The prevalence of anemia in newborns was 72.4%, with severe anemia at 2.5%. Maternal anemia rates were 30.5%, with severe anemia at 14.7%. Delayed cord clamping was done in 71.4% of deliveries, and 86.5% of newborns were tested for hemoglobin levels within 4-6 hours after birth. Maternal hemoglobin data were available for 49.7% of the 489 mothers, with infrequent assessment significantly associated with newborn anemia. Maternal age, parity, gestational age, and birth weight were also found to be associated with newborn anemia. Conclusion Enhanced antenatal care for pregnant mothers in resource-limited settings is crucial, focusing on maternal hemoglobin, nutrition, and medical conditions, as well as teenage pregnancy, primiparous and multiparous mothers, and preterm and low birthweight babies to prevent newborn anemia and reduce infant morbidity and mortality.