Abstract:

Background: Congenital anomalies or birth defects are among the leading causes of infant mortality and morbidity around the world. The impact of congenital anomalies is particularly severe in middle- and low-income countries like Tanzania where health care resources are limited. The prevalence of congenital anomalies varies in different parts of the world, which could reflect different etiological factors in different geographical regions.

Methodology: This was a retrospective hospital-based study which was done at Geita Regional and Referrals hospital involving infant admitted from January 2017 to December 2018. Those infants with no specific anomaly documented was part of the study. Case file were used to collect infant’s information involving 132 samples.

Results: Among 132 case files samples for the study, boys were 75(56.8%) and girls were 57(43.2%), thus boys presenting more with different types of anomalies. CNS was most commonly affected organ system 32.6% and the least was genitourinary system 3.0%. Significant factors associated with congenital anomies included sex boy 75(56.8%) CI 8.7; P=0.05) girls 57(43.2% CI 8.7; P=0.05), place of residence Geita Municipal 71(53.1 CI 31, P=0.05) and least was Mbogwe 13(9.8%) CI 31, P=0.05).

Conclusion: Due the high prevalence of congenital anomalies observed in this particular context, the hospital should mobilize additional resources for an optimal and timely management of the patients with congenital anomalies. Low knowledge as a primary intervention for its prevention.