Biosocial determinants of birth weight in a rural PHC of North Karnataka: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

the multifactorial origins of LBW in India, in which social and economic factors contribute significantly. [2] LBW is one of the serious challenges in maternal and child health in both developed and developing countries. Its public health significance may be ascribed to numerous factors: its high incidence; its association with mental retardation and high risk of perinatal and infant mortality and morbidity; human wastage and suffering; the very high cost of special care and intensive care units; and its association with socioeconomic under development, a birth weight below 2,500 g contributes to a range of poor health outcomes. [3] Globally, more than 20 million infants are born with LBW. The level of LBW in developing countries (16.5%) is more than double the level in developed regions (7%). More than 95% LBW babies are born in developing countries. In India, 18 million LBW infants are still born, the prevalence of LBW stands at 27.6%. [4] There are more than 1 million infants born with LBW in China and nearly 8 million in India. [5] Background: Birth weight is influenced by various biosocial factors, and many unfavorable conditions may affect the health and general well-being of the mother. One particular factor cannot be attributed to the incidence of low birth weight (LBW). Objective: To determine the biosocial determinants of birth weight in rural Karnataka, India.