Abstract:
LBW group was found to have a lower level of intellectual performance both at the time of
school entry and after six months of schooling. The significant factors that influenced this
association were: low socio economic status, low age and lower educational level of the
mother, lower duration of pre school education, high level of school absenteeism, lack of
availability of reading material, lower nutritional status. The significant influence that LBW
had on the scholastic performance after 6 months of school attendance was no longer seen
when the performance of the child at the time of school entry was accounted for. Though
low birth weight per se was not shown to influence the risk of low height for age, birth
weight which is low in relation to the period of gestation was found to be significantly
associated. No association was observed between LBW and behavioural problems. These
findings highlight the need for special attention for the LBW group, during the pre school
period to maximize their intellectual potential and growth
