Epidemiological co-relates of low birth weight in rural Tamil Nadu.

A total of 328 consecutive births born between July and September 1990 were analysed. The rate of LBW was 24.6%. The mean birth weight was 2.72 kg (+/- 0.44 kg). Association between LBW and parity, mother's age, mother's height, gestational weight, risk status at pregnancy and antenatal care was observed. These results indicate that there is a need to strengthen maternal services to address the problem of LBW in India.