Publication:

A cross sectional study on morbidities pattern among the low birth weight infants in the rural field practice area of a tertiary care teaching hospital in Karnataka

Background Low birth weight (LBW) is an important known risk factor associated with neonatal morbidity and mortality. LBW infants are at risk of growth impairment and poor cognitive development. The reduction of LBW is an important contribution to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) for reducing child mortality. Objective was to determine the morbidity pattern among the low birth weight infants in the rural field practice area of Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences, Mandya.

Methods A cross sectional study was conducted over a period of one year in the rural field practice area of Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences (MIMS), Mandya. Using a pre-tested semi structured questionnaire, data was collected by interviewing parents/ caregivers of infants at their homes. Data was collected from households of 166 infants by house to house visit after obtaining informed consent. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics like chi-square test were used for analysis of the data.

Results The common morbidity among LBW infants were acute respiratory infections (18.7%) and fever (12.5%). Most of the LBW infants had delayed vaccination (50%) and developmental milestones as compared to that of the normal birth weight infants.

Conclusions Acute respiratory infections (18.7%) and fever (12.5%) were the common morbidities among the infants. Delayed vaccination (50%) and delayed developmental milestones were common among LBW infants. Health care services should be strengthened in rural area to reduce the morbidities among the LBW infants.