Publication:

Socio-demographic determinants of malnutrition among school going children in an urban slum area of central India with special reference to nutritional anaemia

Background Children residing in urban slum area are the most vulnerable. Poverty, illiteracy, neglect of health, low socioeconomic status and non-affordability of quality health care services make them more vulnerable to malnutrition.

Methods 361 school going children residing in urban slum area were included in study. Socio-demographic details of the children taken from their parents. Health check-up was done.

Results Prevalence of malnutrition was 40.17%. 17.17% children were underweight and 22.99% were stunted.

Conclusions Family size and socioeconomic status are the important determinants of malnutrition.