Determinants of Low Birth Weight: A Case Control Study in Pravara Rural Hospital in Western Maharashtra, India.

Reecha Ghimire; D.B. Phalke; V. D. Phalke; BijendraBanjade; Aalok Kumar Singh

Volume : III, Issue : VII, July - 2014

Determinants of Low Birth Weight: A Case Control Study in Pravara Rural Hospital in Western Maharashtra, India.

Reecha Ghimire, D. B. Phalke, V. D. Phalke, Bijendrabanjade, Aalok Kumar Singh

Abstract :

Background: Low Birth Weight(LBW) is getting a public health importance due to the numerous factors like its high incidence, association with mental retardation and a high risk of perinatal and infant mortality and morbidity, human wastage and suffering, very high cost of special care and intensive care units and its association with social economic under development. The objective of the study is to know the important maternal determinants of Low Birth Weight. Method and Materials: The hospital based case control study done in Pravara Rural Hospital from September 2013 to April 2014. Total 763 case papers of mothers (277 cases and 486 controls) and their singleton newborn babies were studied. Result: After using Multivariate logistic regression analysis, maternal age (<19 years), residence (rural), maternal weight (<45kg), gestational age (<37 week), Bad Obstetric History and Pregnancy induced hypertension was found as a risk factor associated with low birth weight. Conclusion: Adequate measures should be taken to delay the age at marriage and prevent the teenage pregnancy. Rural mothers should be educated on the importance of good nutrition and encourage for health service utilization. Women with preterm babies must be monitored and topmost priority should be given in emergency obstetric service as well as newborn care.