Journal of Tropical Pediatrics Advance Access originally published online on July 13, 2005
Journal of Tropical Pediatrics 2006 52(2):87-91; doi:10.1093/tropej/fmi066
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Factors Associated with Low Birthweight in Rural Bangladesh
a Gono University, Savar, Dhaka 1344, Bangladesh b Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA c Louisiana State University Health Science Center, Pineville, Louisiana, USA d Gazipur Sadar Hospital, Gazipur, Bangladesh
Correspondence: G. M. Monawar Hosain, Mail Box: 281, School of Public Health, University of Texas Houston Health Science Centre, 1200 Herman Pressler, Houston, Texas 77030, USA. E-mail <monawarhosain{at}hotmail.com>.
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.
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