Maternal Risk Factors Of Low Birth Weight In Chandigarh India

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate risk factors of Low Birth Weight. Setting: Govt. Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh. Participants: 193neonates delivered in the health facility. Statistical Analysis: Normal test of proportions. Results: The overall proportion of LBW was 23.8%. Proportion of LBW was comparatively higher among babies born to mothers who were below 20 years of age (50.0%), poorly educated (32.6%), belonging to family with income less than Rs. 2000 per capita, (28.9%), poorly nourished with pre-pregnancy weight less than 45 kg (50.0%), as compared to others. Primi mothers were comparatively at lower risk (18.4%) of delivering LBW babies as compared to multi-gravida mothers (29.5%). Low literacy level, low per capita income, birth order two and above and maternal age above 30 years were found to be significant risk factors of LBW. Conclusions: Population based interventions in terms of improving maternal education and socio-economic status irrespective of parity should be adopted for reducing the prevalence of LBW.