LOW BIRTH WEIGHT: FREQUENCY, DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE AND ASSOCIATION WITH MATERNAL RISK FACTORS AT A TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL

Objective: To determine the frequency, demographic profile and association with maternal risk factors of low birth weight babies.Study Design: Cross-sectional study.Place and Duration of Study: Neonatal Unit and Obstetrics/Gynaecology department of Combined Military Hospital Kharian, Pakistan, from Mar 2013 to Feb 2014.Material and Methods: This study was conducted over a period of 12 months. All ahve, singleton, low birth weight (LBW) neonates delivered in this hospital over this period were included in study. The sample size was calculated by WHO STEPS sample size calculator Information regarding the neonate and mother was collected in a predesigned proforma. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze and describe data. Frequency and percentage were calculated for categorical (qualitative) variables. Qualitative and quantitative variables were presented in the form of tables. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 17. Chi-square/fisher's exact test was apphed for the association of different variables. A p-value less than 0.05 considered as a significant value.Results: Out of total 2810 deliveries, 365 (12.98%) were LBW. Male and female distribution was 45.2% and 55% (p-value 0.070). Weight and gestational age relationship parameter showed that 38.6% were Full term LBW (low birth weight) and 53.1% were Preterm AGA (appropriate for gestational age) whilst 8.0% were Preterm SGA (p-value 0.001). Distribution of birth weight alone parameter showed