2201 DOI: 10.18535/ijmsci/v3i10.2 International Journal Of Medical Science And Clinical Inventions Volume 3 issue 10 2016 page no. 2201-2206 e-ISSN: 2348-991X p-ISSN: 2454-9576 Available Online At: http://valleyinternational.net/index.php/our-jou/ijmsci “A study to assess correlates of low birth weight (LBW) in peri - urban area of Chandigarh, India” Dr. M.K. Sharma 1 , Dr. Neeraj Gour 2 , Dr. Shammi Kumar Jain 3 , Dr Meenal Thakare 4 1 Associate Professor, Deptt. of Community Medicine Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh, India 2 Associate Professor,Deptt. of Community Medicine, SHKM Govt. Medical College, Mewat Haryana , India 3 Senior Resident,Deptt. of Pediatrics Maulana Azad Medical College New Delhi, India 4 Assistant Professor Dept of Community Medicine GMCH Sector 32, Chandigarh Address for Correspondence: Dr. Neeraj Gour Dept of Community Medicine, SHKM GMC Campus,Nalhar , Mewat , (Haryana) India 122107 ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: - Birth weight of the baby is an important indicator of reproductive health and general health status of population. LBW is considered the single most important predictor of infant mortality, especially of deaths within the first month of life. Since we don’t have any data regarding low birth weight and its associated factors in this area so the present study was conducted. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted at RHTC under the Department of Community Medicine of Govt. Medical College, Chandigarh where female health workers from Department of Health of Chandigarh Administration are also posted. RESULTS: - Out of these the prevalence of low birth weight was 11.7 % for males and 19.5% for females. Total prevalence of LBW babies was found to be 15.5%. KEY WORDS: Correlates; LBW; Chandigarh. Introduction: Birth weight of the baby is an important indicator of reproductive health and general health status of population. LBW is considered the single most important predictor of infant mortality, especially of deaths within the first month of life. It continues to remain a major public health problem worldwide especially in the developing countries. As per the WHO estimation about 25 million low birth weight babies are born each year, nearly 95% of them in developing countries. Across the world, neonatal mortality is 20 times more likely for LBW babies compared to heavier babies (≤2.5 kg). [1] There are numerous maternal and fetal factors contributing to LBW. Weight at birth is directly influenced by general level of health status of the mother. Maternal environment is the most important determinant of birth weight, and factors that prevent normal circulation across the placenta cause poor nutrient and oxygen supply to the fetus, restricting growth. The maternal risk factors are biologically and socially interrelated; most are, however, modifiable. Kramer has identified 43 potential factors for low birth weight. [2] Not that all the factors, should be