Abstract

Background: Birth weight of a child is an important indicator for reproductive health and general status of the population. Low birth weight (LBW) is considered as the single most predictor of infant mortality, especially of deaths within first month of life. Objectives: To find out the socio-demographic and maternal factors related to LBW.
Materials and Methods: A case–control study was conducted in Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu, India, from January 2013 to September 2014. A total of 222 study participants, which included 111 cases and 111 controls, were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Study variables included sociodemographic factors and maternal factors related to LBW. Modified BG Prasad Classification (April 2013) based on monthly per capita income was used to ascertain the socioeconomic status of the study participants. Data were entered in Microsoft Excel 2013 and were analyzed using SPSS software, version 16. Odds ratio (OR) was calculated. Multiple logistic regression analysis was done to adjust for confounders.
Results: After adjusting for confounders, the significant risk factors associated with LBW were mother’s age less than 19 years [OR (95% CI) = 6.10 (1.47–25.23)], interpregnancy interval <2 years [OR 5.34 (1.50–19.05)], gestational age <37 weeks [OR 3.57 (1.88–14.34)], weight of the mother <45 kg [OR 6.10 (1.47–25.23)], and anemia [OR 3.08 (2.58–5.76)]. Conclusion: The study emphasizes the need for improving maternal health, quality and utilization of antenatal care, weight gain during pregnancies, prevention, and proper management of risk factors such as anemia, along with improving socioeconomic and educational status of mothers.