An Explorative Study to Determine the Prevalence of Low Birth Weight and Its Risk Factors among Postnatal Mothers in Selected Paediatric Hospital at Tamil Nadu State, India

Birth weight is known to be an important factor, which the Newborn baby adjusts to its surrounding, and it is a critical determinant survival in the neonatal period and for future growth and development of the Newborns. A review of related literature enabled the investigator to develop conceptual framework, methodology for the study and plan for analysis of data were in an effective and efficient way. The conceptual framework adapted for this study was health belief model. A quantitative approach, an explorative design was used to determine the prevalence of low birth weight and its risk factor among postnatal mothers. The tools used for the study was planned interview schedule prepared by the investigator, consisting 3 parts. Tool : 1- consist of 2 section,  section A consist of a demographic variable of the mother and  section B consist of demographic variable of the child and Tool : 2 consist of categorization of LBW based on WHo, Tool : 3 consist of questions to assessing the risk factors such as

• Section I                : Obstetrical factors
• Section II : Antenatal factors

Motherhood is a beautiful and joyous experience to a women and birth weight is a critical determinant for survival in the neonatal period and for future. If the baby born with less weight, it is an anxiety for the mother and entire family. As per the record, the occurrence of low birth weight is high in Government Hospital. Based on the results the investigator felt that, there is a need for good antenatal care to prevent the occurrence of low birth weight. Interactive method of teaching that is question and answer with booklet is an effective method of increasing the knowledge of mothers regarding prevention of low birth weight.