Anthropometric determinants of low birth weight in newborns of Hoshiarpur district

(Punjab) - A hospital based study

Introduction
To determine low birth weight babies in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, India, A healthy community
is said to be indicated by birth weight. Developing countries have a percentage that is twice as
high as developed countries. "Low birth weight is associated with long term disabilities such as
mental retardation, cerebral palsy, vision and hearing impairments and other developmental
disabilities." (Kaur, Bansal, 2012) Preventing low birth weight is a public health importance
issue. Identifying low birth weight early will decrease mortality rates. The research was to
identify surrogate anthropometric measurements to identify low birth weight babies. They're
trying to research what determines low birth weight newborns. The study was done to better
understand and prevent low birth weight for newborns. This research is proof to identify the best
surrogate anthropometric measurements and the cutoff points to determine low birth weight
babies.
Materials and Methods
The study consisted of 504 mothers between the ages of 20-35. They followed the 504
mothers, who had 9 month pregnancies, from their third trimester. Once the baby was born,
within 48 hours, they took the baby's measurements. They took measurements and used
techniques from the Anthropometric standardization reference manual. They used an
infantometer for height, a digital weighing scale for weight, a Harpender skinfold caliper was
used to measure skinfold thickness, and an inelastic tape to measure circumference
measurements.
Results

The results found that 20.23% of the newborns were low birth weight babies. Male
newborns had a higher percentage of being low birth weight babies than females. They have
tables showing the comparisons for the genders and body measurements. According to the
results, regression coefficients of crown heel length, head circumference, mid arm
circumference, subscapular skinfold, biceps skinfold and thigh skinfold thicknesses were
positive, so it would lead to the increase of birth weight. Regression coefficients of abdominal
circumference was negative, so it would lead to a decline of birth weight.
Discussion
Low birth weight is common in Indian babies and is a contributor to neonatal mortality.
The objective was to find out the determinants of low birth weight babies. Certain body
measurements of newborns prove the criteria for determining low birth weight. The results state
what determines low birth rate in newborns. The limitations to this study was that it was just in
Hoshiarpur, Punjab, India. Including more areas would benefit more people because it would not
be specific to only one area.

Citations
Kaur, H., & Bansal, R. (2012, October 01). Anthropometric determinants of low birth weight in
newborns of Hoshiarpur district (Punjab) - A hospital based study. 1-11. Retrieved September 07,
2016, from
http://biology1615.weebly.com/uploads/5/5/4/8/5548644/determinants_of_low_birth_weight.pdf