Influence of maternal and fetal factors on low birth weight at Teaching Hospital, Batticaloa

Abstract

Objective: To determine the mean birth weight and prevalence of low birth weight and to assess the influence of maternal (ethnicity, age and parity) and fetal factors (gender and singleton or multiple) on LBW. Methods: A hospital based descriptive cross sectional study was conducted among all live births during June to August 2010 at Teaching Hospital Batticaloa. Data was obtained from birth registry in the Labour Ward. Results: 1715 babies were born during the study period. The mean birth weight of all newborn was 2917.43g and the prevalence of LBW was 15.41%.The prevalence of LBW was higher among Tamils than Muslims. Higher prevalence rate of LBW were below 25years and above 36years age group. Prevalence of LBW was significantly high in first & second parity and over 6thparity. Female babies had higher prevalence rate for LBW than male babies. Twin babies were more vulnerable to be born as LBW than Single birth. Conclusions: Both maternal and fetal factor considered for LBW in this study were found to be significantly associated with LBW. Reductions in teenage, elderly pregnancy and above 6th parity are essential for reducing LBW.