Prevalence of low birth weight and selected associated factors among babies born at General Hospital Ampara

Abstract

This study was conducted during November to December 21005 with a sample size of 251. An interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect the data from mothers. The study r1sults revealed a mean birth weight of2850.4g (SD 475.4) and a low birth weight prevalence of 16.7 percent . Two thirds (69.1 percent ) of low birth weights were due to intrauterine [growth retardation (IUGR) and the rest (30.9 percent ) were due to prematurely. The mean total weight gain during pregnancy was 8.9kg. 76.3 percent of mothers had gained weight less than 12kg and 31.8 percent of mothers were underweight (low BMI). The only factor that showed statistically significant association with both LBW and mean birth weight was the mothers having monthly family income less than Rs. 6000. Statistically significant higher mean birth weight was found with mothers who had monthly income of more than 6000 rupees, who had weight gain during pregnancy 9lkg. or more, increasing maternal age and increase in parity. The factors like mother's level of education, pregnancy interval, Specialist care during I the antenatal period, immunization against Rubella, POA at first ante natal clinic, IBMI level did not show differences in LBW prevalence. Prematurely did not show statistically significant association with any factor studied, as the number was small.