Incidence and determinants of low birth weight in a tertiary hospital at South Andaman: a prospective study

Background: Birth weight is an important predictor of an individual’s survival and well-being and the complications of children born with low birth weight (LBW) continue till adulthood. The incidence and risk factors of LBW are not known in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and research answers can help institute appropriate preventive measures. The aim of the study was to determine the proportion of LBW due to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and preterm birth (PTB) and its association with selected factors.Methods: The prospective study was conducted in Andaman and Nicobar Islands Institute of Medical Sciences amongst pregnant women admitted between January-June 2021. Women<18 years, with gestational age<28 weeks, and belonging to tribal groups were excluded. After delivery, birth-weight was recorded to the nearest 10 g in first hour.Results: The incidence of LBW was 24% with 57% due to IUGR. It was significantly higher in recent immigrants, gravidity beyond three, smokeless tobacco uses during pregnancy, high risk pregnancies including multiple miscarriages and preterm deliveries. Five or more antenatal check-ups and > 6 Kg weight gain during pregnancy were protective. Conclusions: Ensuring adequate antenatal check- ups and weight gain during pregnancy, control of tobacco exposure and quality care for women with recurrent abortions and high risk pregnancy is imperative, particularly targeting recent migrants. Strengthening ongoing family planning programmes to increase spacing, identifying pregnancies at risk of preterm deliveries and improved care of premature newborns should be a priority

Knowledge and awareness of emergency contraception among women undergoing medical termination of pregnancy in a tertiary care hospital in Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Background: Emergency contraception (EC) is a safe and cost effective measure, which when used judiciously can avoid unintended pregnancies. This is especially relevant in our country where both population control and unsafe abortions are a serious concern. For any contraceptive to be effective, the general population must have a proper knowledge and a positive attitude towards it. Women who come for medical termination of unwanted pregnancy are the best representatives of this and our study aimed to assess the knowledge and awareness of EC in this group.Methods: It was a descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted using a predesigned questionnaire among 100 women who came for medical termination of pregnancy at G. B. Pant Hospital, Port Blair. Questions were asked to evaluate their awareness, knowledge and attitude towards EC.Results: Out of 100 women, only 26 % had heard about EC, mostly from mass media, and seven of these 26 women had correct knowledge of timing of using EC. Four women had used EC before, whereas among others, fear of menstrual irregularity was the major deterrent. A significant association was found between education level and occupation with knowledge of EC.Conclusions: Although EC is a potent tool to avoid unwanted pregnancies, ignorance and misconceptions regarding EC is unfortunately still prevalent among those who would benefit the most from it. Medical personnel and health workers should be more proactive to propagate benefits of EC and encourage its use, as they are usually the first point of contact to the target population