The Correlation between Foot Length and Birth Weight among Newborns

Abstract

Introduction: The birth weight of a newborn is an important parameter which reflects the overall health of neonates, chances of future growth and survival. The large number of neonatal deaths, contributing to an average 64% of all neonatal deaths, mostly occurs in the starting 6-7 days of life. Most of neonatal deaths are due to Low Birth Weight (LBW). In small villages of our country the weighing facility may not be available for all home deliveries. Thus, a simple parameter like foot length may be considered in place of birth weight. Aim: To find out the correlation between foot length and birth weight so that the birth weight could be assessed by measuring foot length alone. Materials and Methods: The observational cross-sectional study was conducted in the KD Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India, between July 2018 to January 2020. Healthy 1082 full term newborns were included in the present study. All the measurements were recorded within 24 hours of birth. Sick newborns and newborns with congenital anomalies were excluded from this study. Birth weight was recorded by electronic weighing scale in fraction of kilograms (kg) and length of foot was measured in fraction of centimetre (cm). Correlation between foot lengths with birth weight were statistically analysed by Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient test and regression analysis. Results: Out of 1082 neonates, there were 558 (51.57%) males and 524 (48.43%) females. The newborn in group I (weight below 2.5 kg) had a mean foot length of 7.1357 cm. In group II (weight between 2.5-3.5 kg) the mean foot length was 7.7998 cm. In group III (weight more than 3.5 kg) the foot length was 8.2428 cm. The correlation coefficient between birth weight and foot length in group I and group II showed significant positive correlation (r=0.494, r=0.624). Conclusion: In the present study, foot length of neonates significantly correlated with their birth weight. Thus Foot Length parameter can be used in rural areas, by health care workers, for early and quick identification of LBW newborns.

Keywords

• electronic weigh scale
• low birth weight
• preterm newborns
• solid plastic transparent ruler