A Cross-Sectional Study to Assess Factors Affecting Low Birth Weight at Tertiary Care Center, Indore

BACKGROUND-Low birth weight (LBW) is a major public health problem which as it is estimated that 15% to 20% (more than 20millions) of all birth worldwide are low birth weight (LBW) babies. The demographic, nutritional and socio-economic factors play a major role in the child’s weight. The main Aim was to study the risk factors influencing the weight of the baby.Material and Methods-A cross-sectional study conducted in the post-natal ward and OPD of tertiary care public sector hospital Indore, between July- December 2022 among 70 mothers of LBW baby and 70 mothers of NBW baby. Data collection was done by using predesigned, pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire which enquired into various factors. The data were analysed by SPSS version 25.0(Trial version).Conclusion-A total of 140 subjects with mean age 6.33±4.330 years, mean birth weight of low birth weight was 2.138±0.404 kg and of normal birth weight was 3.14±0.381kg. Study showed significant associations between birth weight and mother’s socio-economic status,weight gain during pregnancy,number of ANC visit,pregnancies interval, bad obstetric history, complications during pregnancy and gestation age at delivery(p0.05).therefore,Study findings suggest that there is an urgent need to implement integrated and complementary strategies to address the major causes of LBW.