MATERNAL DETERMINANTS OF LOW BIRTH WEIGHT AND THEIR NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT ON INFANT DEVELOPMENT

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 and