Factors Associated with Low Birth Weight Among the New Born

Birth weight is a reliable index of intra uterine growth retardation (IUGR) and a major factor determining child survival, future physical growth and mental development. A multifactorial inter-relationship exists between the environment in which pregnant mothers live and the growth of the fetus. This relationship has prompted public health personnel to suggest that birth weight distribution and the proportion of babies born with a low birth weight (LBW) me be considered as indicators of socio economic development. LBW was founded to be one of the major causes of high mortality and morbidity rates. Two studies were conducted during 1989-1990 in central Sudan to determine the incidence of low birth weight and to ascertain the major risk factors which influence birth weight. The incidence of low birth weight was 18.1%in the community and 8.2 % in the hospital [71]