Low birth weight (LBW), defined as a birth weight of less than 2,500 grams, remains a
pressing public health challenge in India, where approximately 28% of neonates are affected.
This high prevalence contributes not only to increased rates of neonatal mortality but also to a
wide range of long-term developmental and neurological complications. This study was
conducted with the dual objective of identifying maternal biological, clinical, and behavioral
risk factors that contribute to LBW, and assessing the neuropsychological impact of LBW on
early childhood development. Using a matched case-control design at a tertiary care hospital
in India, the research included 100 LBW neonates and 100 normal birth weight controls.
Matching criteria included maternal age, parity, and timing of antenatal care initiation. Data on
maternal anthropometry, anemia, tobacco use, and hypertensive conditions were collected andanalyzed through structured interviews, physical measurements, and laboratory investigations.
Developmental assessments were performed at 18 months using the Bayley Scales of Infant
and Toddler Development (BSID-III) and the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-
CHAT). The analysis revealed that maternal factors such as height below 140 cm, weight under
40 kg, hemoglobin levels less than 11 g/dL, tobacco chewing, and hypertensive disorders were
significantly associated with LBW. Moreover, LBW infants exhibited markedly higher rates
of cognitive, motor, and language delays, as well as a greater incidence of autism spectrum
disorder (ASD) risk markers compared to their normal birth weight counterparts. These
findings underscore the urgent need for preventive maternal health interventions and the
incorporation of standardized developmental screenings into postnatal care for early
identification and support of at-risk children.
Keywords: Low Birth Weight, Maternal Health, Developmental Delay,
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Publication date: 01/07/2025
https://ijbpas.com/pdf/2025/July/MS_IJBPAS_2025_9268.pdf
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https://doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2025/14.7.9268
