Background: Low birth weight (LBW) is a challenging multifaceted public health problem as it associated with infant mortality. Present study was undertaken to assess magnitude and risk factors associated with LBW in West Bengal, India. A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out among 2611 birth episodes in different districts of West Bengal using multi-stage stratified cluster sampling, followed by systematic random sampling methodology. Participants were interviewed by semi-structured questionnaires containing socio-demographic, pregnancy, and mothers' health-related variables.Results: This study revealed that 21.49% infants were born LBW. The risk of LBW was higher among women those age < 20 years and BMI < 18.5 kg/m 2 . The odd of giving LBW baby were higher among women having weight < 45 kg and height < 150 cm. Anemic (AOR 3.33) and hypertensive (AOR 1.69) women were more likely to give LBW baby. Preterm delivery (AOR 1.93) and history of chronic illness (AOR 2.09) were the determinants of LBW. The odd of LBW was higher among women who never followed ANC visit (AOR 1.35). The likelihood of giving LBW baby was higher among women who did not consume iron folic acid tablet and additional diet during pregnancy. More LBWs were observed among women who were from low socioeconomic family, rural residence, and illiterate. Conclusions: This study provided scientific recommendations during preconception period which will help to target women who may potentially benefit from lifestyle and dietary interventions. To reduce LBW community specific strategies such as improving awareness of the community and utilization of existing maternal health services is essential.

Pal A, Manna S, Dhara PC. Comparison between the motor function of school-aged children with normal birth weight and children with low birth weight: a cross-sectional study. Turk J Pediatr 2019; 61: 374-385. Low birth weight (LBW) children are prone to abnormal neurological signs in tone, coordination and reflexes, due to neonatal complications which lead to development of motor deficits and delays. The aim of the present study was a comparison between the motor function of school-age children with normal birth weight (NBW) and children with LBW. This study was conducted with 471 school-aged children from different districts of West Bengal, India. Different socio-demographic variables of the participants were studied by using a pre-structured schedule questionnaire. Gross motor function was studied by standing broad jump and vertical jump whereas fine motor function was studied by hand reaction time and speed of movement. Jumping skill was better among the boys than girls which implied that the gross motor skill of boys was better than girls. However, the hand reaction time and speed of movement among the girls was better than that of boys which implied that the fine motor skill of girls was better than boys. The postnatal growth of LBW children was significantly lower than that of NBW children. Both gross and fine motor performances of LBW children were significantly poorer than that of NBW children. This study found a strong association between birth weight and motor skills among school-age children even after controlling for the effects of age, gestational age, postnatal growth (height, weight and BMI) and socioeconomic status in a multivariable model. Thus, it appears that babies who are born with LBW have a tendency of neuro-developmental impairments during their childhood. Therefore, long-term monitoring programs and early detection and intervention is necessary in order to minimize future sequelae. The finding of this study indicates the importance of paying special attention to developmental follow up of high risk and LBW infants. It is proposed that more diagnostic evaluations be conducted on LBW infants for all aspects of development.

Background In the previous few decades, India has made significant progress in reducing child mortality and fertility rates; yet, undernutrition remains one of the country’s primary public health issues. The goal of this study was to determine the extent of child malnutrition in West Bengal, India, as well as the risk factors linked with it. In diverse districts of West Bengal, a community-based cross-sectional study was undertaken utilizing multi-stage stratified cluster sampling followed by systematic random sampling. Anthropometric, individual, and household characteristics were collected from 2070 children in this study. Height-for-age, weight-for-age, and BMI-for-age z-scores were calculated. The levels and factors related with child undernutrition were studied using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results Stunting, underweight, and thinness were shown to be prevalent in 25.48%, 33%, and 26.88% of children, respectively. With age, the likelihood of a child becoming malnourished increased. In comparison with girls, boys had a greater chance of being malnourished. Separately, parental educational and occupational statuses were linked to child malnutrition. Undernourished children were more likely to have a mother who was uneducated or undereducated (stunting: OR = 1.46; underweight: OR = 1.49; thinness: OR = 1.49). Children from economically disadvantaged families were more likely to be malnourished. Children from households with untreated drinking water and poor sanitation were more likely to be malnourished. Conclusions The current study showed that there are several risk variables linked to child malnutrition. Undernutrition was caused by illiteracy, filthy drinking water, and poor sanitation, all of which were independent risk factors.

Socioeconomic status is strongly associated with the cognitive ability and achievement during childhood. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the influence of age and socioeconomic status (SES) on learning ability among 5-10 years school going boys. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 322 school going boys from different districts of West Bengal state, India. The socioeconomic status of the participants was evaluated by modified Kuppuswami scale. Learning ability of the participants was evaluated by Ray's auditory verbal learning test (RAVLT). The subjects were divided into lower, middle, upper SES groups. The results revealed that the 5 years old boys recalled significantly lesser words on each of the learning trials and showed significantly lower learning score compared to that of older boys. Age was significantly (P<0.001) and positively correlated with RAVLT performances. The participants belonged to the lower socioeconomic group recalled significantly lesser words on each of the learning trials and possessed significantly smaller learning score compared to that of middle and upper socioeconomic groups. Correlation analysis demonstrated that socioeconomic status had significant and positive correlation with RAVLT performances. On the contrary, age and socioeconomic status had significant negative correlation with forgetful speed. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that even after controlling for the effect of the age, socioeconomic status had strong significant impact on learning of trials (LOT) and recognition (REC).

Introduction: Cardiorespiratory fitness is an indicator of cardiovascular health, usually expressed as VO2max. VO2max is the capacity of our body to transport and utilize oxygen during maximal exertion. The present study attempts to assess the level of physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness in medical students and compare VO2max between physically active and insufficiently active students. Materials and Methods: An observational cross sectional study was conducted in 246 medical students (123 males and females each) of age between 18 to 23 years in National Medical College, Birgunj. After obtaining ethical clearance, screening was done with American College of Sports Medicine participants screening questionnaire. Students were classified as physically active and insufficiently active by using Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. VO2max was calculated from recovery heart rate counted from fifth to twentieth second of recovery after step test. Finally, subjects were categorized into different level of cardiorespiratory fitness based on their VO2max values. Results: Present study found 33.6% of insufficiently physical active students. Females had higher prevalence of insufficient physical activity (40.6%) than males (26.8%). The VO2max of male and female was 46.79 ± 8.98 and 36.15 ± 4.66 ml/Kg/min respectively. Majority of female participants had ‘average’ VO2max whereas in male, distribution is almost equal in ‘excellent’, ‘good’ and ‘fair’ category. Conclusion: Around one-third of medical students did not meet the level of physical activity recommended by WHO for health. Majority of them had ‘average’ level of VO2max and those physically active had better cardiorespiratory fitness.