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Research Journal of Medical Sciences

ISSN: Online 1993-6095
ISSN: Print 1815-9346
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Prevalence of Low‐Birth‐Weight Babies in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Nashik District in North Maharashtra: A Cross Sectional Study

Kavita Chavan, Swati Bhutada, Amit P. Gujarathi and Snehal Mogal
Page: 273-276 | Received 31 Dec 2024, Published online: 25 Jan 2025

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https://doi.org/10.36478/10.36478/makrjms.2025.2.273.276

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Abstract

Low birth weight (LBW), defined as a birth weight of <2,500 grams, is a significant public health issue linked to increased neonatal morbidity and mortality. Despite a focus on institutional deliveries, LBW prevalence remains high in rural and semi‐urban regions of India including north Maharashtra. To estimate the prevalence of LBW in a tertiary care hospital and to identify associated maternal and paternal factors. A cross‐sectional study was conducted at tertiary hospital from July 2024 to December 2024. A total of 250 newborns were enrolled using systematic sampling. Data was collected through a standardized questionnaire and birth weight of all newborns born during study period was measured within one hour of delivery. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 23. The study found that 30% of newborns were classified as LBW, out of which 7.6% categorized as very low birth weight. Maternal factors significantly associated with LBW included anemia (63 cases in LBW vs. 31 in non‐LBW., p<0.01), hypertension (31 vs. 12., p=0.04), inadequate antenatal care visits (50 vs. 44., p=0.02) and malnutrition (56 vs. 38., p<0.01). NICU admissions were significantly higher for LBW infants (63 cases) compared to non‐LBW infants (19 cases., p<0.01). The findings highlight a concerning prevalence of LBW in the study population, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions focusing on maternal health, nutrition and antenatal care to improve neonatal outcomes.

How to cite this article:

Kavita Chavan, Swati Bhutada, Amit P. Gujarathi and Snehal Mogal. Prevalence of Low‐Birth‐Weight Babies in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Nashik District in North Maharashtra: A Cross Sectional Study.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/10.36478/makrjms.2025.2.273.276
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1815-9346/10.36478/makrjms.2025.2.273.276