For a given population, minimum no. of newborns to be examined for calculating percentage of LBW of babies
**Core Concept**
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines low birth weight (LBW) as a birth weight of less than 2,500 grams (5.5 pounds). To calculate the percentage of LBW babies in a population, a representative sample of newborns must be examined. The minimum number of newborns required for this calculation is a crucial aspect of epidemiological research.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is based on the WHO's recommendation for a sample size of at least 100 newborns to accurately estimate the prevalence of LBW in a population. This sample size is considered sufficient to provide a reliable estimate of the true population percentage. A larger sample size would provide a more precise estimate, but 100 newborns are sufficient to detect significant differences in LBW prevalence.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because it is too small a sample size. A sample size of 10 newborns would not be representative of the population and would likely result in a biased estimate of LBW prevalence.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because it is not a specific number. A vague or imprecise answer is not acceptable in epidemiological research.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because it is too large a sample size. While a larger sample size would provide a more precise estimate, it is not necessary to calculate the percentage of LBW babies.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
When calculating the percentage of LBW babies in a population, it is essential to use a representative sample size to avoid bias and ensure accurate results. A sample size of at least 100 newborns is recommended by the WHO for reliable estimates.
**Correct Answer:** C. 100 newborns