Assessing The Prevalence of Low Birth Weight & Its Associated Factors Among Neonates in Balianta Block, Odisha

Abstract

Low Birth Weight (LBW), defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a birth weight of less than 2,500 grams (5.5 pounds), remains one of the most significant challenges in neonatal health worldwide. LBW is a crucial indicator of newborn health and survival, with strong links to both short- and long-term consequences, including neonatal mortality, delayed growth, impaired cognitive development, and increased risk of chronic diseases in adulthood. Globally, an estimated 15% to 20% of all births result in LBW, accounting for more than 20 million infants annually. A substantial proportion of this burden is concentrated in South Asia, particularly India, which alone contributes to over 40% of global LBW births. This makes the issue of LBW not only a national health concern but also a global priority. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS): NFHS-3 (2005-06) reported a national LBW prevalence of 21.5%, NFHS-4 (2015-16) showed a slight improvement, with 18.2% of neonates born with LBW, NFHS-5 (2019-21) revealed a marginal decline, with 17.4% LBW prevalence nationwide. Despite these improvements, the pace of decline is slow, and the figures remain significantly higher than the global average. Disparities also exist between urban and rural areas, and among different socio-economic groups and states, with states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha reporting higher prevalence rates compared to southern states. The etiology of LBW is multifactorial, and the risk factors can broadly be classified into maternal, socio-demographic, medical, and environmental categories. Several studies conducted in India have identified the following key associated factors. Poor maternal nutrition before and during pregnancy contributes significantly to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Maternal Body Mass Index (BMI) below normal and iron-deficiency anemia are highly prevalent in Indian women and are closely associated with LBW. Very young mothers (<20 years) or older mothers (>35 years) face higher risks. Inadequate or delayed ANC visits limit the detection and management of complications during pregnancy. According to NFHS-5, only 58.1% of women had four or more ANC visits. Poverty, low educational status of mothers, and poor household conditions are consistently linked to LBW. Rural areas and marginalized communities report a higher prevalence. Conditions such as hypertension, gestational diabetes, urinary tract infections, and malaria during pregnancy contribute to LBW. Exposure to indoor air pollution, smoking or tobacco chewing, and alcohol use during pregnancy are harmful to fetal development. Gender bias may also affect nutritional allocation within families, especially in rural India. LBW can be due to premature delivery or restricted fetal growth. Preterm birth is more common in high-stress and medically underserved populations. India has launched several programs to address maternal and child health: Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), Poshan Abhiyaan, National Iron Plus Initiative (NIPI), LaQshya – Labour Room Quality Improvement Initiative. The slow progress in reducing LBW and the high burden in India, especially in underserved regions, it is crucial to assess its current prevalence and analyze contributing factors in a specific context