Low Birth Weight, Maternal Nutrition and Antenatal Care in Rural Jharkhand: Findings from Ranchi Low Birth Weight Project Dr. Subrato K. Mondal Ronita Chattopadhyay Ranchi, 9 th October 2006
Project Partners Krishi Gram Vikas Kendra Child In Need Institute Social Initiatives Group, ICICI Bank In collaboration with: Department of Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare, GoJ Department of Social Welfare, GoJ
Reducing the Incidence of Low Birth Weight using a Community based Life Cycle Strategy Aims to impact key maternal and child health indicators Focus on community mobilisation processes and enhancing linkages between the communities and the health systems Action research – Seeking to understand and capture the processes of change (at the community and systemic level) Research Objective : To evaluate the impact of a community level Life Cycle based intervention along with the improvement of primary health care delivery system on maternal and child health outcomes.
Study Design Angara & Silli Sonahatu & Mandar Intervention Blocks Comparison Blocks (No intervention) Ensuring Mandated Health Services intervention in 50% SC areas Ensuring Mandated Health Services + Community Mobilisation intervention in 50% SC areas No intervention in 50% SC areas 4 Blocks in Ranchi District
Methodology 72 SCs from four blocks 195 villages HH level: Married women having live birth in last 5 year, and head of household ANC Cohort – women in last trimester of pregnancy Young unmarried women (15-24 years) Young unmarried men (15-24 years) Ist stage2nd stage Survey Instruments Married Woman Questionnaire ANC Questionnaire Village Schedule Youth Questionnaire ANM and AWW Questionnaire TBA Questionnaire
Study area Religion Hindu Muslims Christians Sarna % Average Household size5.7 Household below poverty line48.7 Households having toilets3.6 Households with safe drinking water33.1 Standard of living Low Medium High
Birth Weight
Details of ANC cohort followed Total number of pregnant women identified during third trimester 996 Information available (Followed)830 Still Births30 Birth weight taken741 Neonatal deaths34 Infant deaths48
Birth Weight Distribution Proportion of LBW babies: 41.7% Mean birth weight: gm, S.D
Place and assistance during delivery
Birth Weight: Some more findings
Maternal Care
Tetanus Toxoid Immunisation and IFA consumption
Received at least 3 Antenatal Check ups
Maternal Diet and Workload Food pattern during pregnancy Women performing heavy/risky work during pregnancy
Women’s decision making
Women’s autonomy and dietary practices
Poverty and health behaviour
Reasons for accessing health care: public and private