To assess the maternal factors influencing low birth weight among newborns

Abstract

Maternal health and adequate care during pregnancy have direct impact on birth weight of the baby. This study was conducted to evaluate the maternal factors that are influencing low birth weight among newborns. Quantitative, descriptive design was used for the study to assess a purposive sample of 50 mothers who delivered LBW babies at
post natal wards in Kamala Nehru Memorial Hospital, Allahabad. Data was collected in a duration of 2 months. Self-prepared questionnaire containing 50 questions was used to assess different factors influencing low birth weight. Ethical consent was obtained from the institute as well as participants. Mothers of babies having birth weight between 1000gm-2500gm were selected and maternal factors that can influence baby weight are assessed. Maternal factors like age, educational status, economic status, gravida, area of residence, occupation, utilization of
antenatal services, weight gain during pregnancy, spacing between deliveries, Hb status of mother during pregnancy, knowledge regarding adequate nutrition during pregnancy and obstetric history were assessed. Bivariate association was calculated between variables and the results concluded that there is a significant association between the birth
weight and selected maternal factors.
Key words: low birth weight, maternal factors, influencing, newborns