A community based cross sectional study on the prevalence of low birth weight neonates and maternal factor responsible for the low birth weight

Abstract

Introduction: Birth Weight is a major determinant of child health and nutrition and LBW [low birth weight] used as benchmark of mellowness. It has remained significant community health problem in India both because of high frequency and related mortalities and morbidities with it. This study was designed to find out the prevalence of LBW and possible maternal factors affecting it. Method: A cross-sectional hospital based community study was conducted at Dhiraj Hospital from Feb 2017 to April 2017; total 100 pregnant women were participated in this study, who delivered babies at obstetrics and gynecology ward. Information was collected from the mothers by pre-tested semi structured questionnaire. Percentage of incidences and statistical tests like Odds ratio [OR], chisquare test were used to evaluate the association between maternal factors and birth weight. Result: The incidence of LBW was found to be 38%. Gender wise evaluation of LBW babies shows about 53% of male child and 47% of female child, which indicates near about equal incidence of LBW in male and female babies. In the present study the risk of LBW associated with maternal factors like age of mother < 20 yrs [OR=2.1], <10.0 % Hemoglobin [OR=1.7] and education of mother [OR=1.4].Conclusion: LBW was found to be 38% and it is considered as major public problem which needs attention. By proper counseling for marriageable age, conception age of mother and improving maternal nutrition will directly benefit the health of mothers and child.