Number Of ANC Visits Research Articles

Factors Associated with the Utilization of Institutional Delivery Service among Mothers.

Assessment of utilization of institutional delivery services is crucial to reduce risk of maternal mortality and morbidity in countries like Nepal. This study was conducted to find out the proportion of utilization of institutional delivery service and associated factors among mothers. Data was collected from the total of 129 mothers of Kathar VDC, Chitwan district who delivered baby within last one year proceeding the period of data collection using census method. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression analysis were applied. Out of 129 mothers, 78.3% had their delivery in the health facilities. Binary logistic analysis showed number of factors associated with utilization of institutional delivery service such as ethnicity, respondents educational level, number of pregnancy, number of ANC visit and birth preparedness status. But in the multivariable logistic regression analysis, no. of ANC visit (AOR = 10.03, 95 % CI = 1.02-98.29) was only independent factors affecting institutional delivery service utilization. A number of factors have been shown to affect the utilization of institutional delivery. Therefore, concerned authority should plan and implement awareness programme aiming at increasing antenatal clinic visits and utilization of institutional delivery service.

Misuse of antenatal care and its association with adverse outcomes of pregnancy in a Southern rural area of Vietnam

ABSTRACTResearchers in Vietnam reported a high percentage of pregnant women attending ANC at least once, but an insufficient utilization of ANC services remains. The evidence demonstrating how the utilization of these services affect pregnancy outcome is not documented in Vietnam. We investigated the association between the misuse of ANC services and pregnancy outcome, and assessed other determinants associated with ANC services utilization. We conducted a prospective community-based study in Trang Bom district, Dong Nai, during 12 consecutive months. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and medical records. Women were followed up to delivery. Misuse of ANC services, related factors and its association with adverse events were assessed using logistic regression. Out of 3301 pregnant women, 91% initiated an ANC visit within first trimester, 95% attended at least three ANC visits, but a low percentage of pregnant women underwent blood and urine tests at least once (20% and 39%, respectively). Factors significantly associated with a higher risk of adverse outcomes were lack of blood test and urine test, parity ≥ 3, ANC visits < 3, history of an adverse outcome, and having a clinical condition. Blood and urine tests were less frequently used by young women, women from ethnic minorities, women using only private facilities for ANC attendance, and women with a low number of ANC visits. Despite a high percentage of early entry into ANC and of at least three ANC visits, misuse of ANC services still exists and contributes to adverse outcomes. There is a need to increase the awareness of women on the benefits of ANC services by educating young women as well as women with several children. Health workers should be encouraged to propose suitable ANC services to pregnant women.

Factors influencing institutional delivery service utilization in Dembecha district, Northwest Ethiopia: A community based cross sectional study

BackgroundThe risk of death from complications relating to pregnancy and childbirth over the course of a woman’s lifetime is higher in the developing countries. Improving the health of mothers and children through well-organized institutional delivery service is central to achieve reduced maternal and child morbidity and mortality. So, factors that underlie the level of institutional delivery service utilization need to be investigated, especially in areas where little is known about the problem. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess factors influencing institutional delivery service utilization in Dembecha district, Northwest Ethiopia.MethodsCommunity based quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted from March 1 to 30, 2015 among 674 mothers who gave birth within the last two years preceding the study using interviewer administered questionnaire. Multi-stage sampling with stratification sampling technique was used. Descriptive statistics were done to characterize the study population using different variables. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to determine association. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were computed. Statistical significance was declared at p-value <0.05.ResultsOf all 674 respondents, 229(34%, 95% CI: 29.8%–37.9%) of them utilized health institutions for their last delivery. History of still birth (AOR (adjusted odds ratio) =0.25, 95% CI (confidence interval) =0.07–0.77), number of ANC visit (AOR = 38.51, 95% CI = 22.35–66.33), functional media (AOR = 2.61, 95% CI = 1.59–4.28) and distance to nearby health facility (AOR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.32–0.83) were found to be significantly associated with institutional delivery service utilization.ConclusionIn this research the level of institutional delivery service utilization is still low compared to government initiatives. History of still birth, low number of ANC visit, unavailability of functional media and existence of distant health facilities were found to be significantly associated with low utilization of the service. So, concerned bodies should contribute their share to improve institutional delivery service utilization in the study area by tackling modifiable risk factors.

Home delivery among antenatal care booked women in their last pregnancy and associated factors: community-based cross sectional study in Debremarkos town, North West Ethiopia, January 2016

BackgroundIn Ethiopia, nearly half of the mothers who were booked for antenatal care, who supposed to have institutional delivery, gave home delivery nationally. Home delivery accounts majority while few of childbirth were attended by the skilled provider in Amhara regional state. This study aimed to determine the proportion of home delivery and associated factors among antenatal care booked women who gave childbirth in the past 1 year in Debremarkos Town, Northwest Ethiopia.MethodsA community-based Cross sectional study was conducted from January 1st− 25th 2016. Epi Info version 7 was used to determine a total sample size of 518 and simple random sampling procedure was employed. Data was collected through an interview by using pretested structured questionnaire. Data were entered into Epi Info version 7, cleaned and exported to SPSS version 21 for analysis. A p-value less than or equals to 0.05 at 95% Confidence Intervals of odds ratio were taken as significance level in the multivariable model.ResultsA total of 127 (25.3%) women gave childbirth at home. Un-attending formal education (Adjusted Odds Ratio = 7.56, 95% CI: [3.28, 17.44]), absence of health facility within 30 min distance (AOR = 3.41, 95% CI: [1.42, 8.20]), not exposed to media (AOR = 4.46, 95% CI: [2.09, 9.49]), Unplanned pregnancy (AOR = 3.47, 95% CI [1.82, 6.61]), attending ANC at health post (AOR = 5.45, 95% CI: (1.21, 24.49) and health center (AOR = 2.74, 95% CI [1.29, 5.82]), perceived privacy during ANC (AOR = 3.69[1.25, 10.91]) and less than four times ANC visit (AOR = 5.04, 95% CI (2.30, 11.04]) were significantly associated with home delivery.ConclusionsHome delivery in this study was found to be low. Educational level, media exposure, geographic access to a health facility, Unplanned pregnancy, an institution where ANC was booked, perceived privacy during ANC and number of ANC visit were found to be determinants of home delivery. Health institutions, health professionals, policy makers, community leaders and all concerned with the planning and implementation of maternity care in Ethiopia need to consider these associations in implementing services and providing care, for pregnant women.

Role of Maternal and Child Health Care Services on Postpartum Contraceptive Adoption in India

The aim of this article is to examine the impact of maternal and child health care (MCH) service utilization on the timing of initiation and type of contraceptive use in the subsequent months after delivery of the most recent child. The required data were extracted from India’s third round of National Family Health Survey conducted during 2005-2006, which first time provides the 5 years retrospective monthly information about contraceptive history. Overall, 36,115 currently married women who had delivered live birth during 5 years preceding the survey were included in the analysis. Discrete-time complementary log-log multilevel model was applied to examine the impact of MCH service utilization on the timing of initiation and type of contraceptive use in the subsequent months after delivery of the most recent child. Result shows that after controlling the impact of socioeconomic factors, women who visited health center more than twice for antenatal care (ANC; coefficient = 0.28, SE = .02) were more likely to initiate modern contraceptive methods compared with women who had lower number of visits (coefficient = 0.16, SE = .02). Findings also show that compared with ANC visits, postnatal care did not emerge as a significant factor for contraceptive adoption. Study shows that among programmatic factors, all the three selected MCH indicators emerged as significant predictors of early contraceptive adoption. A significant program implication of the findings is that the promotion of more number of ANC visits, institutional delivery, and postnatal care within 2 weeks of delivery services should be regarded as a mechanism to promote postpartum family planning use.

Socio Economic and Maternal Reproductive factors affecting Low Birth Weight Babies in Central Nepal

Introduction: Low Birth weight is one of the most sensitive and reliable predictors of health and also an essential determinant of mortality, morbidity and disability in infancy and childhood. Globally, about one sixth of all newborns are low birth weight (LBW &lt;2500 grams), which is the single most important underlying risk factors for neonatal deaths. It is estimated that 18 million babies are born with Low Birth Weight and half of them are born in south Asia. Over three – quarters of newborns death in Nepal occur in LBW babies. The estimates of prevalence of LBW in Nepal have ranged from 14% in community based studies to 32% in hospital based ones, overall being 27%.Objectives were to study the various socioeconomic and maternal reproductive factors related to low birth weight babies in Central regional part of Nepal.Material and Methods: Cross-sectional and observational study was undertaken from October 2012 to September 2014 comprising of 350 singleton live born baby admitted in NICU of Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital, Chitwan.Results: The common risks factors for LBW were significantly associated with low socio- economic status, maternal age, maternal education, occupation of mother, maternal smoking, maternal alcohol intake, number of ANC visit with significant p-value of &lt;0.05.Conclusion: LBW mostly associated with maternal factors can be addressed directly by improving the socioeconomic factors (maternal age, educational level and economic status) and health status of pregnant women by supplementations, family planning services and female education.J Nepal Paediatr Soc 2016;36(3):277-283

Knowledge of obstetric danger signs and associated factors among reproductive age women in Raya Kobo district of Ethiopia: A community based cross-sectional study

BackgroundKnowledge of danger signs of obstetric complications during pregnancy, labour, and postnatal period is the first essential step for appropriate and timely referral. This study aimed to investigate predictors of knowledge about obstetric danger signs during pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum period among mothers of reproductive age women who gave birth in the last 12 months.MethodsA quantitative community based cross-sectional study was employed during March 2016. The study included 493 mothers who were selected by multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected by face-to-face interview. Logistic regression analyses were employed to identify factors associated with knowledge of obstetric danger signs. Variables with a p-value <0.05 were identified as statistically significant factors.ResultsAbout forty-seven percent (46.7%), 27.8%, and 26.4% of the mothers were knowledgeable about obstetric danger signs during pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum period, respectively. Vaginal bleeding was the most frequently cited danger sign during the three periods. Mothers’ secondary or above education level increased odds of knowledge about danger signs during pregnancy (AOR: 3.63; 95% CI 1.19, 11.07) and postpartum period (AOR: 5.31; 95% CI 2.13, 13.22). Additionally, being employed (AOR: 5.41; 95% CI 1.03, 28.32), delivery at health institution (AOR: 2.14; 95% CI 1.17, 3.92) and number of ANC visits were statistically significant factors.ConclusionKnowledge of mothers about obstetric danger signs was low in the study area. Empowering women, improving the quality of health information about danger signs during ANC follow up, and promoting institutional delivery are the recommended interventions.

Awareness of Anemia and Associated Factors among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care, South Ethiopia

Background: Anemia affects around half a billion women of reproductive age worldwide, women; especially pregnant women are at high risk of contracting anemia. The aim of this study was to asses’ awareness of anemia among pregnant women and identifies associated factors with the level of awareness. Methods: Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to June 2016 at Yrga Cheffe health center, South Ethiopia. Data were gathered using structured questionnaire. Simple random sampling technique was used to select participants. Sample frame was prepared from secondary data at antenatal care service unit. SPSS version 20 was used to analyze the data. Results: Among 244 study participants about 94.3% (230) pregnant women were responsive and only 44.3% (102) of the women have comprehensive awareness of anemia. Awareness of anemia was significantly associated with number of ANC visit {AOR=7.407, CI=95% [3.247-16.895]}, occupational status {AOR=1.970, CI=95% [1.092-3.555]} and educational status {AOR=6.141, CI=95% [2.781-13.562]} of respondents. Conclusion: Promoting the benefits of early and frequent ANC, enhancing the quality of ANC and counseling on the ad knowledge of women on anemia are essential elements for improving the awareness of anemia.

Proportion and factors affecting for post-natal care utilization in developing countries: A systematic review

Background: Majority of neonatal and maternal mortalities occur in developing countries. Moreover, around half of both mortalities occur in immediate postnatal period. Postnatal care utilization is aimed to reduce both mortalities and promote their health status.Methods: We searched PubMed, Google Scholar and HINARI between Jan 1, 2006 and Apr 31, 2014. Cross-sectional studies, surveys published in English language with finding of percentage of and factors affecting postnatal care utilization were included in the analysis. Weighted percentage with 95% CI was calculated to summarize the proportion. Odds ratio of minimum and maximum value was used to summarize associated factors. P-value &lt;0.01 was taken as cut-off for significance of associated factors.Results: Of 45 accessed and reviewed full-text articles, nine included in the review. The studies were conducted in seven countries and total postnatal mothers in all samples were 49385. The weighted percentage of postnatal service utilization was 36.0 (95% CI, 22.5-49.5). Mother’s and husband’s higher educational level; higher wealth quintile of the family; occupation; mother's age at last delivery; number of ANC visit; and number of pregnancy were found associated with postnatal care utilization.Conclusion: The data that only around one in every three mothers utilizing post-natal care shows that scaling-up and improving the service is imperative. The education including literacy programs for both mother and husband; scaling-up of 4th ANC visit; creating earning opportunities for mothers and focusing the mothers of 20-30 years age group would be some intervening areas, however, further evaluation and reviews from interventional designs are suggested before reaching the firm conclusion.Journal of Manmohan Memorial Institute of Health Sciences Vol. 2 2016 p.14-19

Factors Related to Regular Use of ANC Services among Mothers of Children under One Year of Age in Rural Communities of Banke District, Nepal

Introduction: The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence and factors associated with regular use of ANC services among mothers of children under one year of age in rural communities in Nepal. WHO has estimated that developing-region maternal mortality still remains as the leading cause of death among reproductive-age women, accounting for approximately 99% of global maternal deaths in 2015. Method: A community-based crosssectional study was conducted in Banke District, Nepal among a sample of 364 pregnant women who delivered within last 12 months using face-to-face interviews with a semi-structured questionnaire. Results: Nearly 56% of women used standard ANC services in the last pregnancy (i.e., four or more check-ups). Around 30% of mothers had at least one complication during the pregnancy. ANC visits increase with decreased distance from a health center (AOR=2.197, 95% CI=1.165-4.144), decreased travelling cost (AOR=2.573, 95% CI=1.062 –4.484), decreased waiting time for service (AOR=2.940, 95% CI =1.445-5.981), increased quality of ANC services (AOR =2.099, 95% CI=1.247-3.536) and increased satisfaction of service (AOR =1.942 , 95% CI =1.212-3.110). Increased positive perception about ANC also increased the number of ANC visits. Further information from TV programs also helped to increase ANC visitation. Conclusion: Factors affecting regular utilization of ANC services were affordability and accessibility, such as distance to the health center, travel cost, waiting time, quality of ANC services and service satisfaction among lower-income, rural Nepalese women.

Factors associated with adoption of beneficial newborn care practices in rural Eastern Uganda: a cross-sectional study.

BackgroundBeneficial newborn care practices can improve newborn survival. However, little is known about the factors that affect adoption of these practices.MethodsCross-sectional study conducted among 1,616 mothers who had delivered in the past year in two health sub-districts (Luuka and Buyende) in Eastern Uganda. Data collection took place between November and December 2011. Data were collected on socio-demographic and economic characteristics, antenatal care visits, skilled delivery attendance, parity, distance to health facility and early newborn care knowledge and practices. Descriptive statistics were computed to determine the proportion of mothers who adopted beneficial newborn care practices (optimal thermal care; good feeding practices; weighing and immunizing the baby immediately after birth; and good cord care) during the neonatal period. We conducted multivariable logistic regression to assess the covariates of adoption of all beneficial newborn care practices. Analysis was done using STATA statistical software, version 12.1.ResultsOf the 1,616 mothers enrolled, 622 (38.5 %) were aged 25-34; 1,472 (91.1 %) were married; 1,096 (67.8 %) had primary education; while 1,357 (84 %) were laborers or peasants. Utilization of all beneficial newborn care practices was 11.7 %; lower in Luuka (9.4 %, n = 797) than in Buyende health sub-district (13.9 %, n = 819; p = 0.005). Good cord care (83.6 % in Luuka; 95 % in Buyende) and immunization of newborn (80.7 % in Luuka; 82.5 % in Buyende) were the most prevalent newborn care practices reported by mothers. At the multivariable analysis, number of ANC visits (3-4 vs. 1-2: Adjusted (Adj.) Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.69, 95 % CI = 1.13, 2.52), skilled delivery (Adj. OR = 2.66, 95 % CI = 1.92, 3.69), socio-economic status (middle vs. low: Adj. OR = 1.57, 95 % CI = 1.09, 2.26) were positively associated with adoption of all beneficial newborn care practices among mothers.ConclusionAdoption of all beneficial newborn care practices was low, although associated with higher ANC visits; middle-level socio-economic status and skilled delivery attendance. These findings suggest a need for interventions to improve quality ANC and skilled delivery attendance as well as targeting of women with low and high socio-economic status with newborn care health educational messages, improved work conditions for breastfeeding, and supportive policies at national level for uptake of newborn care practices.

Determinants of pregnancy outcomes among rural women in Nigeria

It is evident that rural women, due to their lower socioeconomic status and the reduced presence of standard healthcare facilities for pregnancy and childbirth, are at higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes than their urban counterparts. This study examined the determinants of pregnancy outcomes among rural women in Nigeria. Quantitative secondary data were obtained from the women’s dataset of the 2013 NDHS with 1,096 eligible respondents. Data were analyzed at univariate, bivariate and multivariate levels with frequencies, chi square test and binary logistic regression respectively. At the bivariate level of analysis, age, marital status and number of ANC visits were significantly related to pregnancy termination (p 0.05). Also, education, the region of residence, wealth status, the number of ANC visits, and the place of delivery had a significant relationship with birth weight (p 0.05). At the multivariate level, it was discovered that maternal age, wealth status, the region of residence, and antenatal care use were significant predictors of pregnancy termination (p<0.05) while maternal age, region of residence, wealth status, antenatal care use and place of delivery predicted birth weight (p<0.05). It is recommended that efforts be made to improve rural women’s socio-economic status, as well as further encourage the use of antenatal services and skilled attendance at birth to ensure positive birth outcomes and reduction in maternal and child mortality.

Correlates of Stillbirths at Nyeri Provincial General Hospital, Kenya, 2009-2013: A Retrospective Study.

Death of a baby in-utero is a very devastating event to the mother and the family. Most stillbirths occur during labor and birth with other deaths occurring during the antenatal period. Millions of families experience stillbirths, yet these deaths remain uncounted, and policies have not been clearly stipulated to address this issue. The aim of the study was to identify the possible causes of stillbirths as recorded in the medical records. A retrospective study looking at medical records of women who experienced stillbirths between 1(st) January 2009 and 31(st) December 2013 at Nyeri Provincial General Hospital, Kenya. The hospital records containing cases of stillbirths were retrieved and data abstraction forms were used to collect data and information. Both fresh and macerated stillbirths were equally common. The stillbirth rate was 12.2 per 1,000 births. There was significant association between stillbirths and the clients who were referred and reason for referral, (p=0.029) and (p=0.005), respectively. The number of ANC visits during pregnancy was also significant (p=0.05). Mode of delivery and the reason for cesarean section were significantly associated with stillbirths, (p=0.003) and (p=0.032), respectively. The type of labor and delivery complications experienced was associated with stillbirths (p= 0.022). There were several factors associated with stillbirths thus efforts should be made to establish approaches aimed at prevention. Addressing the causes of stillbirths will contribute to reduction of perinatal mortality.

Present Status and Predictors of Low Birth Weight at Sadar Hospital Moulovibazar

In Bangladesh the prevalence of LBW is still very high. A descriptive cross sectional study was carried out during the period from January to June 2010 among Istice the mothers whose babies were born in Gynaecology &amp; Obstetric Department of Sadar Hospital, Moulvibazar in order to assess the proportion of LBW with its predictors. Total 140 mothers were selected purposively. A pretested semi-structured questionnaire and hospital record were used for data was collection. Result showed the proportion of LBW to be 25 %( n=35). Among them 64.3% had monthly income To between Tk 3000-5000 and majority of mothers 62% were from age group (15-24). A The result showed that gestational age, number of ANC visits, gap between two pregnancies were significantly associated with low birth weight. (P&lt;0.05). Association was found between previous loss of pregnancy and previous history of low birth weight (P&lt;0. 05). Age, parity and mother's education had no relation on ateral birth weight. It may be concluded from the study that maternal health service need to be strengthened to reduce the prevalence of LBW in Bangladesh

Determinants of Delivery Care in a Selected Rural Area of Bangladesh

Ante natal care service was utilized by 62.5% respondents. Majority (80.3%) of the respondents delivered at home and most of them (66.4%) felt that home delivery was comfortable. A considerable percentage of deliveries (50.6%) were attended by traditional birth attendants. Mothers who had one living child had the highest percentage of hospital delivery compared to those who had two or more living children. Educational level, access to mass media (watching TV and listen to radio), wealth index, antenatal care use and number of ANC visit had a positive significant (p&lt;0.001) effect on the place of delivery care. The results of binary logistic regression analyses showed that, education of the mothers (p&lt;0.05), living children (p&lt;0.002), mass media (p&lt;0.02), wealth index (p&lt;0.05), antenatal care use (p&lt;0.001) and number of ANC visits (p&lt;0.001) correlates with delivery care. In this study socio-demographic factors were associated with delivery care practice. The study suggested that the significant effect of delivery care, education of the mothers, living children, mass media, wealth index, antenatal care use and number of ANC visits are determinants of delivery care of rural women.

Determinants of Delivery Care in a Selected Rural Area of Bangladesh

Ante natal care service was utilized by 62.5% respondents. Majority (80.3%) of the respondents delivered at home and most of them (66.4%) felt that home delivery was comfortable. A considerable percentage of deliveries (50.6%) were attended by traditional birth attendants. Mothers who had one living child had the highest percentage of hospital delivery compared to those who had two or more living children. Educational level, access to mass media (watching TV and listen to radio), wealth index, antenatal care use and number of ANC visit had a positive significant (p&lt;0.001) effect on the place of delivery care. The results of binary logistic regression analyses showed that, education of the mothers (p&lt;0.05), living children (p&lt;0.002), mass media (p&lt;0.02), wealth index (p&lt;0.05), antenatal care use (p&lt;0.001) and number of ANC visits (p&lt;0.001) correlates with delivery care. In this study socio-demographic factors were associated with delivery care practice. The study suggested that the significant effect of delivery care, education of the mothers, living children, mass media, wealth index, antenatal care use and number of ANC visits are determinants of delivery care of rural women.

Does the Quality of Antenatal Care Predict Health Facility Delivery Among Women in Kenya? Further Analysis of KDHS Data 2008/09

Improving maternal health remains a priority in Kenya and beyond. It is essential that women get good medical care before, during and after pregnancy to reduce maternal mortality. Skilled delivery care remains low in Kenya and maternal mortality rate high regardless of numerous ongoing interventions. Antenatal care is known to promote maternal and fetal well-being. However less than 50% of women make the recommended four or more antenatal care visits, missing out on key services such as urine and blood tests, and advice on possible pregnancy complications, that determine the quality of ANC. This study examines how the number of ANC visits and the quality of those visits predict health facility use at delivery. Maternal health data from DHS of 2008/2008 in Kenya was analyzed using Stata 11.0 software. Logistic regression was used to evaluate relationships between facility delivery and predictor variables in univariate and multivariate models. Estimates were based on 95% confidence inteval. The models were examined at 95% CI and 80% power and adjusted for maternal age at last birth, education, place and type of residence, level of exposure to media, mother’s religion, wealth index and birth order. The quality of ANC was an index developed based on the number of services received during ANC visits.The quality of ANC visits progressively increased the likelyhood of health facility delivery. Supply and demand should be intervention targets to ensure that women know and understand the services to demand. Health facilities should also be sufficiently prepared and ready with the services.

Incidence and risk factors of low birth weight babies born in Dhulikhel Hospital

Introduction: WHO defines low birth weight (LBW) as a birth weight less than 2500 grams. Almost a third of the newborn in South East Asia Region is a low birth weight baby. Many risk factors contributing to LBW have been recognized, which in order of importance are low maternal weight, low maternal hemoglobin, low maternal height, primi-parity, adolescent mother and poor or inadequate maternal nutrition during pregnancy. Low birth weight babies have a higher risk of morbidity and mortality than an infant of normal birth weight. The present study was carried out to explore the associated risk factors of low birth weight which will be beneficial to undertake effective measures to reduce the burden of the low birth weight. Methods: This was a hospital based case control study conducted in Dhulikhel hospital, Kavre, Nepal from Jan 1st 2008 to 30th May 2010. A total of 401 cases and an equal number of age matched controls were taken to assess the different risk factors of the mother for LBW babies. Ethical approval for the study was taken from KUSMS-Institutional research committee. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 10.0. Results: Data of 401 LBW and equal number of normal birth weight babies were analyzed. The incidence of LBW in this study was 11.07%. LBW was more common in female (n=236) than in male (n=165) babies. However this difference was statistically insignificant. Among the case and the control group, maternal hemoglobin (p&lt;0.001), maternal height (p&lt;0.001), maternal weight gain (p&lt;0.0001), number of ANC visits (p&lt;0.0001) were statistically significant. However with regards to ethnicity, nutrition during pregnancy, parity and age of the mother the association were insignificant. Ethnical group, nutrition during pregnancy, age of mother and parity was found to be statically insignificant for LBW Conclusions: LBW is a common problem of the developing world, which is an important factor for perinatal mortality and morbidity. Maternal height, hemoglobin, total weight gain and ANC visit were found to be the significant risk factors contributing to LBW DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/joim.v32i3.4959 Journal of Institute of Medicine, December, 2010; 32:3 39-42

Factors Associated with Low Birthweight in Rural Bangladesh

This study examines factors associated with low birthweight (LBW) in rural Bangladesh. Enrolled in early first trimester, 350 women were followed for duration of pregnancy and data gathered on maternal factors such as social, demographic, anthropometric, biochemical measures and newborn's birth weight within 48 hours of birth. Almost a quarter of babies (24%) were born with LBW and mean birth weight was 2961 g. Bivariate analysis found associations between LBW and mother's age, parity, weight and hemoglobin level at booking, weight gain and health problems during pregnancy, tobacco consumption, and gestational age. But no such association was seen for birth spacing, mother's height, economic status, educational level, body mass index, mid upper arm circumference and number of ANC visits. Multivariable analysis revealed gestational age, hemoglobin levels at first visit and weight gain during pregnancy as significant predictors of LBW in this rural setting. Although antenatal care provision is absolutely necessary, intervention approaches that go beyond clinical or primary care settings are also warranted for better nutrition of women. Concerted efforts in health and non-health sectors are necessary for improvement in health and social status of women in order to reduce low birthweight in Bangladesh.

Incidence and risk factors of low birth weight babies born in Dhulikhel Hospital

Introduction: WHO defines low birth weight (LBW) as a birth weight less than 2500 grams. Almost a third of the newborn in South East Asia Region is a low birth weight baby. Many risk factors contributing to LBW have been recognized, which in order of importance are low maternal weight, low maternal hemoglobin, low maternal height, primi-parity, adolescent mother and poor or inadequate maternal nutrition during pregnancy. Low birth weight babies have a higher risk of morbidity and mortality than an infant of normal birth weight. The present study was carried out to explore the associated risk factors of low birth weight which will be beneficial to undertake effective measures to reduce the burden of the low birth weight. Methods: This was a hospital based case control study conducted in Dhulikhel hospital, Kavre, Nepal from Jan 1st 2008 to 30th May 2010. A total of 401 cases and an equal number of age matched controls were taken to assess the different risk factors of the mother for LBW babies. Ethical approval for the study was taken from KUSMS-Institutional research committee. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 10.0. Results: Data of 401 LBW and equal number of normal birth weight babies were analyzed. The incidence of LBW in this study was 11.07%. LBW was more common in female (n=236) than in male (n=165) babies. However this difference was statistically insignificant. Among the case and the control group, maternal hemoglobin (p&lt;0.001), maternal height (p&lt;0.001), maternal weight gain (p&lt;0.0001), number of ANC visits (p&lt;0.0001) were statistically significant. However with regards to ethnicity, nutrition during pregnancy, parity and age of the mother the association were insignificant. Ethnical group, nutrition during pregnancy, age of mother and parity was found to be statically insignificant for LBW Conclusions: LBW is a common problem of the developing world, which is an important factor for perinatal mortality and morbidity. Maternal height, hemoglobin, total weight gain and ANC visit were found to be the significant risk factors contributing to LBW DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/joim.v32i3.4959 Journal of Institute of Medicine, December, 2010; 32:3 39-42