Multivariate analysis of the factors affecting low birth weight: A case-control study in a tertiary hospital of Central India.

Introduction: India accounts for 40 per cent of low birth weight (LBW) in the developing world. The etiology LBW is also complex with demographic, nutritional, reproductive, and socio-economic factors, each potentially playing a role. In this context, this study aims to identify various socio demographic and maternal factors asso-ciated with LBW. Methodology: A case control study was done involving 200 cases (mothers having LBW singleton babies) and 200 controls (mothers having normal birth weight singleton babies) in a tertiary care hos-pital of Indore District. The study population was administered a pre-designed, pre-tested, semi-structured interview schedule which enquired into various demographic and socio-economic variables, maternal factors and health care utilization during pregnancy. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20, regression analysis was done to find out key factors affecting birth weight under socio-economic factors, maternal factors and health care utilization factors. Results: Key Socio economic variables affecting birth weight were place of resi-dence, religion and the type of family. Maternal variables affecting LBW were maternal anemia, complications during pregnancy, gestational length, weight gain of the mother and maternal height. The health care utilization parameters affecting LBW were timing of registration of pregnancy, adequate number of ANC visits and con-sumption of IFA tablets. Conclusion: .Study findings suggest that there is an urgent need to improve health literacy of women on various aspects of pregnancy and further training needs to be imparted to field level health workers to improve their communication skills as well as their ability to identify and manage high risk pregnancies. Key words: Low Birth Weight (LBW), socio-economic factors, maternal factors, health literacy