The causes of low birth weight (LBW) are multifactoral with genetic, placental, fetal and maternal factors interplaying with each other. To assess the influence of some of the maternal bio-social factors on the variance of birth weight, this study was undertaken. A total of 984 consecutive live births delivered at an urban hospital were analysed. The rate of LBW was 28.3% and preterms accounted for 3.2%. A strong correlation existed between birth weight and maternal height, weight, age, ANC visits and risk status at pregnancy. A short, malnourished, young, unregistered or primiparous mother was associated with a higher rate of LBW. On multiple regression analysis it was noted that maternal weight, parity and ANC visits independently affected the birthweight of the new born. Therefore emphasis needs to be given to maternal biosocial factors which are amenable to improvement to reduce the incidence of LBW. This can be done by selectively targeting interventions to improve nutrition, and curtailing parity and promoting contraception.

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Introduction:Immunization is a cost-effective public health intervention to decrease childhood morbidity and mortality. According to the 3rd National Family Health Survey (NFHS-3), 43.5% children aged 12 to 23 months were fully vaccinated. The 3rd District Level Household & Facility Survey (DLHS-3) showed 69% full-immunization coverage in Maharashtra with major regional variations. Rural Hospital, Panvel (Raigad), is in a peri-urban area providing health services to a mix of urban, rural, and migrant population. The study was conducted in this hospital with the aim to understand why people seeking health services for secondary prevention refrain from complying with routine immunization services.Objectives: To assess the reasons for partial and nonimmunization of the children and the knowledge regarding routine immunization.Materials and methods: All children who completed 1 year but below 5 years of age, attending the Rural Hospital, Panvel, during a period of 1 month from October 16 to November 15, 2014, were screened and those who were not fully immunized for the age were included in the study. Sociodemographic background, immunization status, reasons for partial and nonimmunization, and knowledge about routine immunization data were collected by personal interview using a prestructured, pretested questionnaire after obtaining informed consent.Results: Out of 303 children, 57 (18.8%) were found to be either partially immunized (47; 15.5%) or nonimmunized (10; 3.3%). The lack of knowledge (36%), lack of priority for immunization (33%), and poor communication by the health worker (21%) were the major reasons. 42% of the mothers were aware about the severity of the vaccine preventable diseases. However, 80% did not have the correct knowledge regarding the immunization schedule. Conclusion:The opportunities to vaccinate are still being missed and consolidated efforts to improve the active involvement of mother in the immunization activity are required.

Introduction: It is observed that auto rickshaw drivers are prone to musculoskeletal, respiratory, and gastrointestinal disorders and also to injuries and substance abuse. Objective: To study the health status, disease profile, and substance abuse among auto rickshaw drivers in Navi Mumbai,

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