Publication:

The prevalence of low birth weight infants amongst hospital deliveries in Lucknow

Background Low birth weight has been defined by the WHO as weight at birth less than 2500gms. More common in developing than developed countries, LBW contributes to a range of poor health outcomes.

Objectives To know the prevalence of low birth weight neonates and the effect of maternal age and parity on birth weight.

Methods It was a hospital based cross sectional study conducted in Era’s Lucknow Medical College and Hospital over a period of six months i.e from July 2014 to December 2014. A total of 356 women who had their deliveries conducted at Era’s Lucknow Medical College and Hospital were included in the study. Data was collected, compiled and tabulated using Microsoft Excel and analysed using SPSS 17.0 version for calculation of percentages.

Results The prevalence of LBW neonates was found to be 29.65%. 40.19% of the LBW neonates were preterm. Majority of the LBW neonate’s i.e 72.54% weigh between 2.0 to 2.5 kg. Percentage of LBW neonates was found to be highest among women aged between 36 to 40 years (50%) and in primi para (46%).

Conclusions The prevalence of LBW was found to be slightly higher than that for the state of Uttar Pradesh (25.1%). It is closely associated with foetal and neonatal mortality and morbidity. The prevalence can be lowered if women start pregnancy healthy and well nourished, which can be assured by educating the mother about proper nutrition, birth spacing and antenatal care.