Domiciliary care of low birth weight neonates

A WHO sponsored prospective community based study of ‘Risk Approach and Intervention Strategy in MCH Care’ was started in a rural field practice area attached to B.J. Medical College, Pune, catering for 47,000 population spread over 22 villages. For implementation of risk approach strategy from pregnancy to early childhood, information about biological and sociocultural factors was collected. Birth weight of every newborn child was recorded to identify ‘at risk’ baby weighing less than 2500 gm. Relative risk and community attributable risk for these low birth weight neonates were computed. Domiciliary care given to the new-, born can reduce the risk by preventing infections, maintaining adequate nutrition and protecting the baby from adverse environmental influences, by simple measures feasible at village level by supporting beneficial, traditional cultural practices and introducing new techniques.