Impact of socioeconomic status of family on the birth weight- A cross sectional study from Eastern India

Abstract

Introduction: Despite a lot of progress in the field of neonatology in last few years, low birth weight babies still pose a challenge for an optimal outcome. Maternal socioeconomic status and malnutrition is directly or indirectly linked to the birthweight. We intended to study the effect of socioeconomic status of family with birthweight in eastern part of India. Objective: To assess the effect of socioeconomic status of family on birth weight and to assess the effect of anemia on birthweight. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Gouri Devi Institute of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Durgapur, West Bengal, from 1st March 2019 to 28th February 2020. Data was collected from the mothers who visited the Paediatrics OPD with their child during the study period. Mothers were asked to fill a pre-designated case record form. Details of antenatal, natal and postnatal records were sought and noted. For the purpose of assessment of socioeconomic status, education, occupation and income of family were recorded. Socioeconomic status family were classified in to 3 major categories; lower (lower and upper lower), middle (lower middle and upper middle) and upper as per modified Kuppuswamy classification. Maternal nutrition status was assessed by body mass index (BMI) and anemia. Results: Out of the 229 babies, 79 babies had low birthweight and 150 babies had normal birthweight. 35.5% of babies were found to have low birthweight. Babies born to mother with primary education (68.55%) were found to have more LBW babies than with higher education. Twenty eight (35.44%) LBW babies belong to middle class (class II and class III) and 51(64.56%) LBW babies were from lower class (P<0.05). Mothers of 194 (84.71%) out of 229 babies had anemia. Similarly only 5(6.33%) LBW babies belong to non-anemic mother where as 74(93.67%) of LBW babies were from mothers with low hemoglobin. Anemic mothers were more likely to deliver LBW baby. Conclusion: Low maternal education, low socio-economic status and maternal anemia were associated with increase in the risk of low birth weight babies.