Low birth weight(LBW) was the major predictor of infant deaths: evidence from a prospective study in rural Bangladesh

Abstract

The study was the part of a longitudinal study on the consequences of low birth weight babies (LBW) in three unions of Manikganj district in Bangladesh. The study aimed to estimate the infant mortality rate In title study population ·and to identify the causes and factors related to infant deaths. Data was collected during 1993-1994. In this study pregnant mothers were registered at the third trimester of pregnancy. After delivery birth weights of a total 644 infants were recorded. The infants received monthly follow-up visits ti ll 1 year of age. All deaths during followup period were recorded. Low birth weight was identified as being the commonest factor contributing to infant deaths. Diarrhoeal disorder and ARI were major killer diseases. Poor weight gain by the mothers during pregnancy, multiparity, low education of parents, poor living condition were found to be linked with infant deaths. Detrimental feeding practices were prevalent among the mothers. It is important to provide information to all members of the community about consequences, prevention and care of LBW.