Prevalence and determinants of low birth weight in Bhopal city

Dr. Priti Verma; Dr. Avinash Thakur

Volume : VI, Issue : X, October - 2016

Prevalence and determinants of low birth weight in Bhopal city

Dr. Priti Verma, Dr. Avinash Thakur

Abstract :

Background: Low birth weight is directly responsible for a considerable proportion of neonatal mortality and morbidities. We carried out this study with the aim to assess the prevalence and determinants of low birth weight in study area. Material and Methods: A facility–based cross–sectional study was conducted involving 792 pregnant women, at 4 hospitals of Bhopal city from October 2015 to May 2016. Non probability purposive sampling was used to recruit study participants. Socio–demographic, medical and obstetric data of the study participants were collected using structured questionnaire. Results: Overall, prevalence of low birth weight was 32.6 %. Pre–term delivery, history of pre–eclampsia, tobacco consumption during pregnancy, severe anemia and labor intensive occupation were strong determinants of low birth weight among study participants. Conclusions: The role of family members is important in ensuring the proper antenatal care and fulfilling the nutritional needs of the pregnant mothers along with supporting her in day to day activities.