Factors Influencing Low Birth Weight among Babies Born in the Teaching Hospital Anuradhapura: a Preliminary Study

Low Birth Weight (LBW) is a major determinant of mortality, morbidity and disability during infancy and childhood, also having a long term impact on health outcomes once adulthood is attained (Francis, et al., 2010). World Health Organization (WHO, 2011) defined LBW as a condition where the weight at birth of a baby is less than 2500gm (5.5 pounds).According to Pallewatta (1998), maternal age below 20 years and over 35 years, occupational factors like heavy work, low maternal education, low income and maternal nutritional factors are associated with LBW. Siza (2008) found that the Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH), Premature Rupture of Membranes (PROM), placenta prevae, abruption of placenta and gestational age below 37 weeks contribute to LBW. Further, the pre-existing medical conditions such as anemia, malaria and inadequate antenatal care are also found to have a relationship with LBW.