MATERNAL RISK FACTORS AS DETERMINANTS OF LOW BIRTH WEIGHT AMONG ARMED FORCES FAMILIES

Low birth weight (LBW) is responsible for a significant proportion of child morbidity and mortality apart from its possible role in the occurrence of chronic disease in adult life. This study highlights the overall low incidence of LBWs at 13.6% among the Armed Forces families. The Other Ranks had a proportionally higher incidence of LBW at 24.14%. 82.14% of the LBWs occurred in the age group of 20-29 yrs, with only 6.93% of the births being teenage pregnancies. Primiparous women accounted for 54.95% of births but 75% of the LBWs. Smoking was not a significant factor. The findings underscore the need for special attention to other rank families and primiparas. A continued effort at updating the health care facilities provided to the Armed Forces families, and a concerted health and dietary advice by the authorised medical attendants, directed at the primiparous women, will further help lower the incidence of LBWs. The National LBW target of less than 10% by 2000 AD is definitely achievable by the Armed Forces.