National Journal of Community Medicine (Aug 2018)
Assessment of Nutritional Status among Under Five Children in a Rural Area of Kalaburagi District
Abstract
Background: Malnutrition among under-five children is a major public health problem in India especially in rural areas. About more than 30% of malnutrition world-wide is prevalent in south- ern Asia; a significant proportion of which is contributed by India. It is well known that malnutrition is frequently a part of a vicious cycle that includes poverty and infections; the devastating effects of which can last lifetime and even affects the next generation. The underlying factors for malnutrition differ from one region to other. Thus, a study was conducted to understand underlying factors for malnutrition in rural context with following Methodology: A cross-sectional study was undertaken among 201 under-five children in Korwar village (Rural field practice area of ESIC medical college Kalaburagi dist.). Anthropometric measure- ments were taken to assess nutritional status. Results: 61% of children were under-weight for their age, 36.3% and 11.9% were found to be stunted and wasted respectively. Mother’s educational status and age of the child were significantly associated with under-nutrition. Conclusions: There was unacceptability high prevalence of mal- nutrition among under-five children. Thus health institutions at all levels should integrate nutrition as a health component and there is a need to educate the parents to provide age-appropriate en- ergy-rich, locally available, and nutritionally balanced food items.
