Birth weight of neonates in relation to socio economic profile of families

The results of the study show that 50% of the more than normal birth weight neonates were born in families of small size followed by 34% in medium size and 16% in large families. About 62% of healthy neonates belonged to urban population. Whereas, 54% neonates of the low birth weight were from rural areas. It was found that parents’ education had significant impact on the birth weight of neonates. Highest number of neonates i.e 64% of more than average birth weight were born to matriculate and graduate mothers. Like wise 70% of the neonates with less than average birth had fathers whose education was upto primary level of education. Occupation wise, 42% of neonates with average or more than average birth weight were born in service class families. Labourers alone accounted for 34% of neonates with below average birth weight. While making a comparison of income, neonates with average or more than average birth weight (64%) were born in medium socio-economic group followed by 24% in higher and 12% in low socio economic group.