LOW BIRTH WEIGHT OF INFANTS IN RELATION TO VARIOUS BIO-SOCIAL VARIABLES

The birth weight of an individual is the most important determinant of a baby’s chances of survival and development. UNICEF, WHO and the Govt. of India have estimated prevalence of low birth weight in India to be around 30 percent. The study was conceived with the objective of assessing various bio-social variables that leads to low birth weight in infants. Sixty mothers of low birth weight babies, within a period of one week after delivery from Ernakulam and Alapuzha districts were chosen as sample using purposive sampling method. Semi structured Interview schedule was administered to elicit information on personal profile, weight gain of mother, dietary pattern and stress faced during pregnancy. The dietary pattern was assessed by availing details regarding the frequency of consumption of each food item. The stress of mothers was assessed by a scale developed Suhany and Raj. The study helped to find out the bio-social variables that lead to low birth weight in selected sample.