The Incidence and Factors of Low Birth Weight Among Newborns With Special Reference to Nursing Practice in Odisha – An Observational Study

Abstract

Background: Most of the possible causes of low birth weight are related to poor health status of pregnant women, inadequate prenatal and child care and the secondary complications can be prevented through quality nursing practices. Design and objectives: Cross-sectional study was conducted to determine incidence and factors contributing to low birth weight and associated nursing practices. Study was conducted in a Tertiary care neonatal unit at Bhubaneswar, Odisha. 100 mothers of LBW new born babies and records during 6 months period was used for data collection. A structured interview schedule and incidence proforma was used for assessing the factors contributing for low birth weight, incidence and nursing practices. Results: Study findings reveal that the incidence of LBW in newborn for a period of six months was 22%. The associated significant maternal factors found with LBW were age of mother 26–30 years, low socio-economic status, early marriage between 19 and 25 years and primigravida, low maternal pre-pregnancy weight and maternal weight gain of less than 7 kg. Also some other maternal factors were found to be associated that is less antenatal checkup (<3 times), more birth intervals and previous history of previous low birth weight babies. The associated morbidities due to LBW were found from record analysis that were birth asphyxia (58%), aspirated meconium (52%), prematurity (36%), and pneumonia (22%), septicemia (16%), and no morbid condition was found in 18% of cases. In the area of nursing action observed in management of low birth weight newborn was in the average level. Conclusion: The study concludes that more emphasis should be given on nursing action for prevention of secondary infection, and health teaching to minimize the morbidity and mortality caused due to LBW in neonates.