Research Text Publishers

Abstract:

Bangladesh is one of the least developing countries of the world where poverty, literacy, diseases and disaster is common phenomenon. Low birth weight (LBW) was the leading cause of neonatal and under-five mortality [1]. Understanding the causes of and circumstances of LBW neonatal and under-five death is necessary to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal 3, target 3.2, which aims to reduce neonatal mortality at 12 per 1,000 live births and under-5 mortality at 25 per 1,000 live births by 2030 [2]. However, various studies have found that LBW has a significant impact on neonatal and under-five mortality in countries such as Bangladesh [3]. Both biological and demographic factors affect birth weight in Bangladesh [4]. LBW is most often caused by being born before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Being born before the 37th week of pregnancy is the leading cause of LBW. Globally, more than 80% of new born babies die due to LBW [5-8]. Intensive care of these infants and prevention of low-birth-weight deliveries by proper antenatal monitoring, along birth control of maternal factors and pregnancy related problems, carry the potential for significant reduction of both mortality and morbidity of infants. To achieve this, it is also important to know the maternal causative factors and give attention to reduce the low birth weight of the babies. Birth weight is powerful predictor of neonatal growth and survival. Baby born with low birth weight begin their life immediately disadvantaged and face extremely poor survival rates. So low birth weight baby is the single most important determinants of its chances of survival, healthy growth and development. So, this study will show the association of low birth weight with some common maternal factors and will try to provide relevant information in respect to our context. In Bangladesh lack of relevant and reliable information are main reasons for which the health planners have paid little attention during pregnancy period. It may help in prevention programs rather than treatment of low-birth-weight babies born later. The information which would be obtained from this study could be utilized to undertake appropriate measures for policy making and strengthen Maternal and Child Health Care services.