Prevalence and Determinants of Low Birth Weight among the Newborns in Dadra and Nagar Haveli: A Community-based Study

The world is not on track to meet the World Health Assembly (WHA) global target on Low Birth Weight (LBW). To estimate the prevalence and to identify the associated determinants of LBW among the newborns.

We conducted a cross-sectional study among the 364 mothers registered under the all government health facilities of Dadra & Nagar Haveli (DNH) during November 2021 to January 2022.

The prevalence of LBW was found to be 39%. On uni-variable logistic regression, live in relationship, caste, weight of mother, Body Mass Index (BMI), weight gain <5 kg in 2nd and 3rd trimester, high-risk pregnancy, complication present in previous pregnancy and preterm delivery, while on multi-variable logistic regression, weight gain <5 kg in 2nd and 3rd trimester (AOR 2, 95% CI 1.007-4.2) and having high-risk pregnancy (AOR 2, 95% CI 1.1-3.0) were found to be the significant predictors of LBW among the newborns.

We conclude from the study that the prevalence of low birth weight among the newborn was high. There is a need to address maternal and child health issues like low birth weight, malnutrition and high-risk pregnancy under the RMNCAH+N program through various effective interventions. Future research should evaluate the feasibility of collaborative activities between RMNCAH+N program and the UNICEF in India.