A study was made on the main biological and social characteristics of low birth-weight (<FONT FACE=Symbol>£</FONT> 2500 g) as compared to normal weight (> 2500 g) based on a sample of newborn admited to the nursery and born at the "Clínica Obstétrica do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo" during the period of one year. The individual characteristics of the new-born were evaluated according to the variables sex, color, anthropometric measures and clinical conditions. Medical care given to new-born was studied not only as to the aspect of quantity but also of quality. Social-economic conditions were analyzed based on the characterization of family size, legal conditions of marriage, man-power qualification, schooling and income. Behavior and attitudes of mothers of the newborn were also analyzed as regards the utilization of health facilities, ideal age of delivery and ideal number of children. The main biological and social characteristics identified and analyzed in this study put forth elements that will help to establish comprehensive care to the pregnant woman, thus allowing a decrease in the occurrence of low birth-weight.
Bith weight; Infant, newborn; Infant, premature; Infant care