European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Background: Birth weight should preferably be measured within the first hour of life
for live births, before significant postnatal weight loss has occurred. The socio-economic
factors associated with LBW are income, level of education in the mother and other
family members, occupation of the mother, household leadership and gender differences
related to roles within the family. The aim of this study to assess the socioeconomic and
maternal reproductive factors related to Low Birth Weight (LBW) of babies delivered
in district hospital in Rajasthan.
Material & Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in the
Department of Pediatrics, District hospital, Dholpur, Rajasthan, India during one year
period. Consent was taken from every mother before interview and the weight of the
newborn was taken within the 24 hours of delivery and each questionnaire was
completed. Record review format was used for reviewing antenatal care cards. Data was
compiled in Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 22.0 and
analyzed.
Results:A total of 800 birth occurred during the study period, of which 280 met the
inclusion criteria. Out of which 80 were LBW and 200 were normal birth weight
(NBW). Hence, the prevalence of LBW in this present study was found to be 28.57 %.
The univariate analysis of maternal factors associated with LBW. The factors associated
with LBW included age, education, family members, gravida, antenatal care smoking
and alcohol. The following variables were found insignificant: religion, residence,
occupation, family type, abortion, and gestational age at 1stANC visit.
Conclusion: We concluded that a number of factors play a role in determining a baby's
birth weight. Social factors (mother's age, level of education and economic status) and
maternal care are very important.