Present Status and Predictors of Low Birth Weight at Sadar Hospital Moulovibazar

Abstract

In Bangladesh the prevalence of LBW is still very high. A descriptive cross sectional study was carried out during the period from January to June 2010 among Istice the mothers whose babies were born in Gynaecology & Obstetric Department of Sadar Hospital, Moulvibazar in order to assess the proportion of LBW with its predictors. Total 140 mothers were selected purposively. A pretested semi-structured questionnaire and hospital record were used for data was collection. Result showed the proportion of LBW to be 25 %( n=35). Among them 64.3% had monthly income To between Tk 3000-5000 and majority of mothers 62% were from age group (15-24). A The result showed that gestational age, number of ANC visits, gap between two pregnancies were significantly associated with low birth weight. (P<0.05). Association was found between previous loss of pregnancy and previous history of low birth weight (P<0. 05). Age, parity and mother's education had no relation on ateral birth weight. It may be concluded from the study that maternal health service need to be strengthened to reduce the prevalence of LBW in Bangladesh.