Abstract
Birth weight is a critical determinant of neonatal morbidity, mortality, and long-term health outcomes. In low-resource settings, where access to reliable weighing equipment may be limited, simple anthropometric measurements can serve as practical proxies for identifying low birth weight (LBW) neonates. This hospital-based cross-sectional descriptive study, conducted at Nepal Medical College and Teaching Hospital from November 2022 to December 2023, aimed to evaluate the usefulness of head circumference, chest circumference, and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) in predicting LBW. A total of 261 newborns delivered via normal vaginal delivery or cesarean section without gross anomalies were enrolled. Birth weight, chest circumference, and MUAC were measured within 24 hours of birth, while head circumference was recorded after 24 hours using standard techniques. Of the total, 58% were male and 42% female. The mean birth weight was 3004 ± 560.33 g. Mean head circumference, chest circumference, and MUAC were 33.85 ± 1.48 cm, 31.00 ± 1.76 cm, and 9.88 ± 0.80 cm, respectively. Statistical analysis using SPSS 21.0 revealed strong positive correlations between birth weight and both head circumference (R = 0.831) and chest circumference (R = 0.822), and a moderate correlation with MUAC (R = 0.653), all with P < .001. These findings suggest that head circumference and chest circumference, followed by MUAC, are reliable predictors of birth weight. Incorporating these simple, low-cost measurements into routine neonatal assessments can facilitate early identification and management of LBW infants in resource-limited settings.