Maternal and Neonatal Risk Factors of Low Birth Weight in Guwahati Metro, Assam, Northeast India: A Cross Sectional Study

Introduction and Objectives: Birth weight is an important determinant of child survival and development. Low birth weight is an index of our status of public health, maternal health and nutrition. The major challenge in the field of public health is to identify the factors influencing low birth weight and to institute remedial measures. The study was attempted to assess prevalence of low birth weight and its risk factors affecting low birth weight was conducted among 300 mothers and their respective live born baby in GMCH, Guwahati metro, Assam.

Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study design was carried out in a government hospital among 300 mothers using interviewer administered questionnaire. All 300 postnatal mothers who delivered in the hospital during study period were included in the study except still births. All babies were weighted on standard beam balance within 24 hours of delivery and mother’s height was measured by height measuring stand. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression was employed to identify the predictors at p<0.001 and p<0.05.

Results and Analysis: The prevalence of low birth weight was found as 26.0% (95%, CL=21.36-31.24) in 300 samples. 50% of LBW was found in the age group of mothers <18 yrs. Low birth weight was significantly risk with maternal age <18 years (OR=3.06* 95%Cl=1.24-3.52), height of the mother <145 cm (OR=2.72* 95%CL=1.61-4.62), history of ANC visit <3(OR=1.90* 95% Cl=1.03-3.52), multiple pregnancy (OR=5.95* 95% Cl=1.07-33.13), gestational age <37weeks (OR=10.00*15 95% Cl=4.53-22.09). Female child (OR=1.02, 95% Cl=0.61-1.72) and preterm birth (OR=10.00, 95%Cl=4.53-22.09), weight gain during pregnancy <6 kg (OR=1.98 95%Cl=0.88-4.44), history of high risk behavior(use of tobacco) (OR=8.84 95%Cl=0.91-86.28), iron and folic acid consumption (OR=1.44, 95%CI: 0.35-5.90), status of previous birth (OR=2.73, 95%CI: 0.81-9.14), were found to be higher risk of LBW.

Discussion and Conclusion: The prevalence of low birth weight was found to be very high and it was associated with many risk factors related to maternal health and services. Hence it is recommended to improve maternal health through strengthening the existing maternal services at the basic level of community.