By: SAIKAT MAJUMDAR, ASHOKE GORAIN, PREMANANDA BHARATI
This objective study aims to identify significant socioeconomic and nutritional determinants associated with low birth weight (LBW) in the rural and peri-urban population of Birbhum district, West Bengal. The percentage of LBW was 22.47%, and 35.23% of mothers received full antenatal care (ANC). The prevalence of LBW was higher among middle, lower middle, and lower grade households compared to upper middle and upper grade households in the wealth index, and this difference was statistically highly significant. Maternal nutritional status and antenatal care are key determinants that must be addressed to reduce the prevalence of LBW in India. We strongly recommend taking steps to prevent early marriages, promote maternal education, and provide quality prenatal and antenatal care.
