RISK FACTORS AND OUTCOMES OF LOW-BIRTH-WEIGHT DELIVERIES IN TERTIARY CARE SETTINGS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY FROM GUJARAT
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Keywords
Low-birth-weight, risk factors, neonatal outcomes, tertiary care, Gujarat
Abstract
Low-birth-weight (LBW) remains a significant public health challenge in India, contributing substantially to neonatal morbidity and mortality. Gujarat, despite economic progress, continues to witness considerable variations in maternal and child health indicators across its districts.
Objectives: To identify the prevalence and risk factors associated with low-birth-weight deliveries and to evaluate immediate neonatal outcomes among LBW infants at a tertiary care hospital in Gujarat.
Methodology: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Swaminarayan Institute of Medical Sciences & Research, Kalol, Gandhinagar, from November 2024 to February 2025. A total of 384 mother-infant pairs were enrolled using systematic random sampling. Data were collected through structured interviews and medical record reviews. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0, employing chi-square tests, logistic regression, and descriptive statistics.
Results: The prevalence of LBW was found to be 28.4%. Significant risk factors included maternal anemia (adjusted OR: 3.82, 95% CI: 2.14-6.81), inadequate antenatal care visits (adjusted OR: 2.96, 95% CI: 1.68-5.22), low maternal body mass index (adjusted OR: 2.47, 95% CI: 1.42-4.29), and gestational hypertension (adjusted OR: 2.18, 95% CI: 1.24-3.83). LBW infants demonstrated significantly higher rates of neonatal complications including respiratory distress (42.2% vs 8.6%, p<0.001), hypoglycemia (31.8% vs 5.2%, p<0.001), and requirement for special newborn care unit admission (58.7% vs 12.3%, p<0.001).
Conclusion: The study highlights a concerning prevalence of LBW deliveries in this tertiary setting, predominantly influenced by preventable maternal factors. Strengthening antenatal care services, addressing maternal nutritional deficiencies, and ensuring adequate pregnancy surveillance are critical interventions needed in the region.
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Dr. Nikita Savani
Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Swaminarayan Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Kalol, Gujarat, India
Dr. Nilesh Prajapati
Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Swaminarayan Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Kalol, Gujarat, India
