A community based cross sectional study of prevalence and risk factors of low birth weight

Introduction: Birth weight is an independent and an important factor that affects mortality, morbidity and growth and development during infancy and later life. India is accounting for 40% of the global Burdon of low birth weight babies. Multiple causative factors identified to be responsible for low birth weight. Aims & objectives: 1. To estimate the prevalence of low birth weight babies. 2. To study the association of maternal factors with birth weight. Method:The present community based cross sectional study conducted to among the urban population of Rajkot city and identify the determinants of low birth weight. Sampling population was selected by multistage sampling method. Investigator collected history of low birth weight and other determinants by verification of records and examination by house to house visit. Result:The prevalence of low birth was found 19.6. The factors like sex of the baby, birth order, birth spacing, maternal age, maternal education, regular antenatal check-up and mother’s weight gain during pregnancy were found significant determinants of LBW. Conclusion:The prevalence of low birth was high in urban area require multipronged strategy. The primary health care can diminish the determinant of the low birth weight by adequate birth interval, two-child norms, regular antenatal check-up, supplementary nutrition to mother, female literacy etc