Risk Factors of Low Birth Weight Babies: A Case Control Study

Abstract

The present study was conducted to identify the risk factors of Low Birth Weight babies among postnatal mothers in selected hospitals at Kannur district. The study's goals were to investigate the risk factors for Low Birth Weight in babies born to postpartum women and the degree to which these risk variables are associated with Low Birth Weight. The health promotion model developed by Nola J. Pender was used as the study's conceptual framework. This study employed an unmatched case control design. The study was conducted among 250 mothers (125 cases and 125 controls) selected by consecutive sampling technique. Interview schedule, rating scale and checklist were used to identify the risk factors of LBW babies among postnatal mothers. In the present study, inadequate rest and sleep (OR-54.9, CI (142.8–250)), strenuous physical activities (OR-138.7, CI (1.492–1000)), eat processed/junk foods (OR-20.01, CI (11.49–62.5)), medication/treatment (OR-95.38, CI (9.34–166.6)), passive smoking (OR-238.3 CI (2.132–29.85)), exposure to environmental pollutants (OR-318.8, CI (6.493–333.3)), screen time more than 2 h/day (OR-30.77, CI (1.449–6.66)), urinary tract infection (OR-10.1, CI (5.0–20.83)), anemia during pregnancy (OR-50.1, CI (6.75–333.3)), GDM (OR-11.30, CI (3.87–33.33)), placenta previa (OR-22.22, CI (2.92–166.6)), cervical incompetence (OR 22.97,CI (3.84–1000)), polyhydramnios (OR-1068.8, CI (1.0–142.8)), IUGR (OR-1068.8,CI (1.0–142.8)) and hypothyroidism (OR-11.96, CI (1.51–9.09)) were strongly associated with LBW. Nursing practice, nursing education, nursing administration, and nursing research are all affected by the findings.