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(p<0.05).therefore,Study findings suggest that there is an urgent need to implement integrated and complementary strategies to address the major causes of LBW.