Abstract:
A case control study was carried out in the base hospital,Gampaha,during the period of 1st
of April 1997 to 30 th of August 1997.Babies bron to sinhala buddhist primipara mothers
with uncomplicated obstetric history during such period were selected for the study.Babies
who weighed below 2,500 grams at birth were considered as "cases" and those who weighed
2,500 grams or over were considered as "controls".The following recommendations were
made in accordance with results of the study.To increase awareness among the general
public about the best age for first child birth and improvement of family planning
services.To make mesures to reduce occupational hazards during pregnancy with the
collaboration of employers.To take appropriate steps to increase nutritional status of the
pregnant women and adolescent girls.To provide facilities for early detection of anaemia
and regular weighing of pregnant mothers at ante natal clinics.To inculcate health education
more meaningfully stressing the need to follow all accepted health practices.
