Frequency of Low Birth Weight in newborns of different socio-economic groups in Rawalpindi

Objective: To determine the frequency of Low Birth Weight amongst neonates born in different socio-economic groups. Methodology: It was a cross-sectional study conducted in different public and private sector hospitals of Rawalpindi during 2008. A total of 288 neonates were included in the study. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to interview the 288 mothers selected through stratified sampling technique. Demographic characteristic, socio-economic status and different risk factors for low birth weight were explored. Results: Overall frequency of low birth weight was 19%, which was highest amongst the low socio-economic group. In low social class, the low birth weight was 10% (r -0.65, P=0.001); in middle social class, it was 6% (r -0.57, P=0.01) and in upper social class, it was 3% (r -0.48, P=0.03). Conclusion: The findings of our study strengthens the evidence provided by other studies that the low birth weight is effected by the social class and highest among the low socioeconomic group.