Epidemiological determinants of low birth weight in Ahmedabad city: A facility based case-control study.

ABSTRACT

Background: Low birth weight (LBW) has been defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as birth weight less than 2,500 grams. In India, 30-35% babies are LBW. LBW is closely associated with foetal and neonatal mortality as well as morbidity and has a very complex aetiology. Aims & Objective: The present study was undertaken with the objectives of ascertaining epidemiological determinants of LBW. Materials and Methods: A facility based case-control study was carried out in all the 3 tertiary hospitals of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation during April-2012 to September-2012. A total of 100 cases weighing < 2.5 kg and controls weighing > 2.5 kg each were selected during the study period. Crude and adjusted odd’s ratio with 95% confidence interval was calculated. Multiple logistic regression was used to estimate independent effect of maternal characteristic on LBW. Results: A significant association was observed between LBW and maternal age at consummation < 20 years, maternal education, socio-economic status, inter-pregnancy interval, antenatal visit < 3, maternal height <145cm, pre-pregnancy maternal weight, habit of tobacco chewing, previous history of abortion and anaemia. These variables were further entered in multiple logistic regression model and factors such as maternal age at consummation < 20 years, inter-pregnancy interval, antenatal visit < 3, maternal height, pre-pregnancy maternal weight < 45 kg, habit of tobacco chewing, previous history of abortion and anaemia were found to be significant independent risk factor for LBW. Conclusion: For reducing LBW emphasis should be given on reducing teen age pregnancy, improving nutrition during adolescence, increasing coverage of antenatal visits, encouraging wider birth interval and avoiding tobacco chewing.