“A study to assess correlates of low birth weight (LBW) in periurban area of Chandigarh, India”

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: - Birth weight of the baby is an important indicator of reproductive health and general health status of population. LBW is considered the single most important predictor of infant mortality, especially of deaths within the first month of life. Since we don’t have any data regarding low birth weight and its associated factors in this area so the present study was conducted. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted at RHTC under the Department of Community Medicine of Govt. Medical College, Chandigarh where female health workers from Department of Health of Chandigarh Administration are also posted. RESULTS: - Out of these the prevalence of low birth weight was 11.7 % for males and 19.5% for females. Total prevalence of LBW babies was found to be 15.5%.