DETERMINANTS OF INFANT GROWTH AND BIRTH WEIGHT IN NORTHEAST INDIA'S TRIBAL POPULATIONS
Main Article Content
Keywords
birth weight, low birth weight, maternal nutrition, infant growth, Northeast India
Abstract
Birth weight is a key indicator of infant health, influencing survival, growth, and long-term outcomes. Low birth weight (LBW), defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as less than 2.5 kg, is a significant risk factor for neonatal morbidity and mortality. This review examines the multifaceted determinants of infant growth and birth weight, particularly within the tribal populations of Northeast India. Factors influencing birth weight include maternal health, nutritional status, parity, and socioeconomic conditions. Maternal under nutrition, short stature, and lack of education are associated with adverse birth outcomes. Cultural practices and environmental conditions, such as limited healthcare access and poor sanitation, further exacerbate these challenges. In Northeast India, tribal populations, such as the Tangsa tribe, display unique patterns of infant health, with some groups experiencing better outcomes due to genetic and cultural factors, despite systemic disadvantages. Feeding practices, especially breastfeeding, are critical for infant growth, but traditional feeding practices and misconceptions hinder optimal nutrition. Interventions that address maternal health, nutrition, and culturally sensitive healthcare practices are essential to improving infant health outcomes. This review emphasizes the need for targeted, context-specific policies and programs to address the complex determinants of infant growth and birth weight in these vulnerable populations.
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Md. Abdul Latif
Associate Professor, Department of Statistics,Liberal College, Luwangsangbam (Imphal - India)