Title: Low birth weight and its determinants in a teaching hospital of Kolkata, India

Author: Dr Kakoli Boral

 DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v7i6.75

Abstract

Background: Birth weight is the most important determinant of child survival and development. It is directly associated with maternal factors and many social factors. Present study aims to find out the proportion of low birth weight (LBW) in this teaching hospital and to assess the influence of some determinants on low birth weight.

Methods: A hospital based cross sectional descriptive study was carried out in post natal ward of tertiary care hospital from August to September 2016. The study population comprised of postnatal mother and their neonate delivered in this institution within the specific time period.

Results: Out of total 276 babies, 68 (24.6%) babies had LBW (Birth weight <2.5 kg). Present study revealed significant association between LBW and education of mother, haemoglobin level and period of gestation

Conclusion: Our study indicates maternal education, consumption of IFA tablets, gestational age are significant determinants of LBW.

Keywords: Low birth weight. Hospital based, IFA tablets.

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Corresponding Author

Dr Kakoli Boral

Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, NRS Medical College, Kolkata, India