Abstract:

Background: Congenital anomalies are a worldwide problem; causing prenatal and infant death as well as postnatal physical disabilities. There is paucity of published data on congenital anomalies in most developing countries including Tanzania. The aim of this study was to determine the pattern and factors associated with congenital anomalies among young admitted at Bugando Medical Centre.

Methods: This was a descriptive cross sectional hospital based study involving young infants age 2 months old and below admitted to Bugando Medical Centre during the study period. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using STATA version 11. Univariate followed by multivariate logistic regression analyses were done so as to identify factors associated with congenital anomalies.

Results: The study included 445 young infants admitted at Bugando Medical Centre, congenital anomalies were observed were observed in 128 (28.8%). The most commonly affected systems were central nervous system 30.5%, musculoskeletal system 21.1% and gastrointestinal system 9.4%. Respiratory system, skin and ear were least affected. Maternal age above 35 years, lack of periconceptional use of folic acid, poor or no visit to antenatal clinic and maternal exposure to pollutants were the maternal factors found to be associated with congenital anomalies. Birth orders above 4, female gender, birth weight equal to or above 2.5kg were the infant factors found to be associated with congenital anomalies.

Conclusions: Congenital anomalies are common among young infants admitted at Bugando Medical Centre. Efforts should be made to improve management of these patients. A large community-based study should be done in the lake zone of Tanzania to gain more information about the prevalence of congenital anomalies and associated factors so as to facilities the implementation of preventive measures.