Prevalence and differentials of low birth weight in Niamey, Niger.

This study provides population representative data on live births occurring in Niamey, Niger during the period 1980 to 1985. A total of 5097 live births were systematically sampled from maternity registers over the study period. Due to legislation and incentives to register all live births, between 90 and 95 per cent of all live births are represented in this study. The data here suggest that low birth weight (LBW) prevalence may be lower in this urban area than it is in the region as a whole; and that the demographic risk factors are similar to those found in other developing countries. Finally, in many developing countries, maternity coverage of attended births may be quite high, suggesting that record or prospective studies examining trends in LBW and risk factors for perinatal outcomes might be convenient and implemented at very low cost.