Determinants for Birth Weight of Infant in Estate Sector: A Case Study in Pettigala Estate in Balangoda DS Division

Abstract

Reducing child malnutrition is a key millennium development goal, as child malnutrition produces a wide and diverse range of adverse economic and social consequences. Child malnutrition is highest in the estate sector with over 43% of children underweight. The main objective of this study was to examine the determinants for birth weight of infant in estate sector. 90 households were selected from 120 households in Pettigala GN division in Balangoda. Chi-square tests and multiple regression model were used for the analysis. More than 72% of infants were born in nine months. More than 6 8 % of pregnant mothers were employed and 54% of them had only primary education. According to the regression outputs mother's illness, education level, employment, participation for the clinic, animal products consumption and the gestation period were highly influenced the birth weight of the infant. The study concludes that more than 42 percent of infant were recorded as low birth weight in estate sector. Authority should pay attention on the matters to improve the awareness, participation for clinics and nutritious food consumption of pregnant mothers in estate sector.