Mousumi Krishnatreya1, Sajida Ahmed2, Kabindra Deva Sarma3
BACKGROUND: Globally, more than 20 million infants are born with low birth weight. The large number of factors that could theoretically influence birth weight indicates that each of them may have rather small individual impact. [1] In Assam study indicates the prevalence of low birth weight of 25. 5 %, 13%, and 8. 7%. [2,3,4] Again the NFHS 3 data shows that the percentage of at least three ANC in last pregnancy was only 36. 3%. With this rationale, the present study was undertaken from August 2010to July 2011 in Dimoria block with the objective to know the distribution of birth weight in the study area and Relationship of Birth weight with routine antenatal care
METHODS: A total of 257 mothers and their new born were included in the study from 13 randomly selected village of Dimoria block. For calculation the sample size, correction factor for finite population was used. All the relevant information were collected in pre designed and pre tested schedule and the salient findings are summarized below
RESULT: Mean birth weight was more in mothers receiving ANC than those who did not. Out of 233 mothers (90. 66%) who had received antenatal care, majority (43. 35%) had 2 antenatal visits. A definite trend of increase mean birth weight was observed with increasing number of antenatal visit of mothers. A trend of decreasing mean birth weight was observed with increasing weeks of gestation at first antenatal checkup which was highly significant. Percentage of low birth weight baby was highest among the mothers who did not receive any doses of TT. Low birth weight babies were highest among the mothers who had not taken any IFA tablet during their pregnancy
CONCLUSION: The study reveals that highest number of mothers was availing antenatal care during their pregnancy and it was noted that the mean birth weight was more in mothers receiving ANC than those who did not. To bring down the percentage of low birth weight in the area, universal registration of pregnant women should be ensured.
