Measurement Issues of Birth Weight in India

The low birth weight is an important factor explaining the child mortality in India. Low birth weight occurs because of poor maternal health and nutrition. However, there is no reliable estimate of low birth weight is available in India. Information on birth weight available in large scale demographic surveys in India are not complete. Looking at the importance of the issue the current study aims: (i) to study pattern of reporting system of birth weight in India and states and (ii) to examine the heaping at certain digits in reporting of birth weight in India and states by mother memory recall and health card. Data from the third round of National Family Health Survey (NFHS-3) conducted during 2005-06 is used. Bi-variate and multivariate analysis will be used for analysis purpose. As per NFHS-3 data set birth weight is reported only for 34 percent births and birth weights are missing for 66 percent births. Regional variation is observed in reporting of birth weight in India. It varies highest 72 percent in Southern India and lowest 12 percent reported in Central region. Incidence of low birth weight also varies by region. Highest 27 percent low birth weight was reported in Northern region and lowest 18 percent reported in Southern region. Reporting/Incidence of low birth weight varies by residence, education and wealth index.