National Journal of Community Medicine (Apr 2016)
Malnutrition In Children Below 6 Years in Nalgonda District, Telangana
Abstract
Background: Children are our future and a supremely important asset of nation. By promoting their good health we will be strengthening the development of the family, nation and the world. The present study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of malnutrition in children below 6 years and to examine the influence of socio- demographic factors on children’s health. Methods: A cross sectional study of children below 6 years residing in Field Practice Area of Department of Community Medicine, Kamineni Institute of Medical Sciences Narketpally, Nalgonda district, Telangana. Study duration was from September 2011 to September 2013. House to house survey was done and data was collected using pre-designed pre-tested questionnaire by taking informed consent from childen’s parents/ guardians. Data thus obtained was coded and entered in MS Excel and was analysed using SPSS Version 19. Results: Out of 933, there were 493 females and 440 males. Prevalence of Overall malnutrition for underweight, stunting and wasting was found to be 56.59%, 62.59% and 25.72% respectively. Conclusion: It is concluded that there is a high prevalence of Malnutrition in the selected area and hence health education and nutritional intervention are needed on urgent basis.
