STUDY TO ASSESS SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS AFFECTING LOW BIRTH WEIGHT BABY IN URBAN SLUM OF MUMBAI, MAHARASHTRA, INDIA.

Dr Shailesh Palve; Dr Anita Shenoy

Volume : V, Issue : II, February - 2016

STUDY TO ASSESS SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS AFFECTING LOW BIRTH WEIGHT BABY IN URBAN SLUM OF MUMBAI, MAHARASHTRA, INDIA.

Dr Shailesh Palve, Dr Anita Shenoy

Abstract :

Background & objectives – Low birth weight (LBW) remains an unresolved important national concern in India. 29% of infant mortality rate is associated with LBW in India. 23%of the newborns in India have LBW. Birth weight is a major determinant of child‘s health and nutrition. Thus the aim of the study was to assess sociodemographic factors affecting Low birth weight baby in urban slum of Maharashtra. Methods – A cross–sectional study was done. Total 108 mothers of babies ( upto 6 months of age), who had visited or admitted in maternity home during Nov to Dec 2011 period were interviewed using a pre–formed, pre– tested, semistructured schedule. Results –Out of 108 babies 48(44.4%) were girls and 60 (55.6%) were boys. 38 (35.18%) babies had birth weight < 2.5kg, while 70 (68.81%) babies had birth weight > 2.5kg. Variables like age at pregnancy, ANC registration, contraceptive practices were found to have statistically significant association with LBW babies. Conclusion – Sociodemographic factors like age at pregnancy, ANC registration, contraceptive practices are significant associated with LBW babies and preventive measures should be taken for the same.