Incidence, correlates and outcomes of low birth weight - a one year longitudinal study

Background Birth weight is a reliable and sensitive predictor of a newborn's chances for survival, growth and long term physical and psychosocial development. Thus knowing the magnitude and associated risk factors of low birth weight (LBW) will help in minimizing its incidence in the community. Aims To find out the incidence of LBW babies, its risk factors and its effects during the first year of life. Study design This longitudinal study was done in three subcentre areas of South India. Subjects All the 194 babies born from November 2004 to April 2005 formed the birth cohort. Outcome measures Weight of the newborn was recorded in the initial visit followed by monthly follow up visits to enquire about their morbidities. Results The incidence of LBW among 194 babies was 2.48 per 1000 live births. The risk factors significantly associated with LBW were age at first pregnancy below 19 years, less than 100 or no intake of iron and folic acid tablets (IFA) during antenatal period, birth spacing of less than 2 years between pregnancies and babies of Scheduled caste or tribe (SC/ ST) families. Incidence of episodes of all morbidities was more and that of anemia was significantly more among LBW compared to normal birth weight babies during the first year of life. Conclusions LBW was affected by multiple risk factors with consequent effect on occurrence of morbidities. Such factors need to be affectively controlled to improve child health and development.