Publication:

Nutritional status and its correlates in under five children of labour population in urban slums of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India

Background Malnutrition has a long-term effect on physical and cognitive development of a child. Addressing nutritional problems of urban poor living in slums is of paramount importance for overall development. Effective measures could be taken if we know their sociodemographic profile, burden of malnutrition and infant feeding practices.

Methods A prospective cross sectional study was conducted in under five children living in urban slums of Lucknow around Era’s Lucknow Medical College and Hospital after taking consent from the parents and approval by institute’s ethical committee. The objective of the study was to know the prevalence of malnutrition and assess the feeding practices, immunization status and morbidities in under five children of labour population in urban slums of Lucknow.

Results 250 children aged 6 months to 5 years were analysed. 34.4%were underweight, 58.8% stunted and 17.6%. Wasted 17.6% infants were exclusively breast fed till 6 months 42.0% fed colostrum. 20.0% children received proper complementary feeding. Education status of mother was significantly associated with the prevalence of underweight children. (p <0.05) Late initiation of breastfeeding in 13.2% infants was significantly associated with underweight (p value <0.05, OR (95% CI=1.58 (0.60-2.72) and stunting OR (95% CI=0.62 (0.29-1.29). 55.6% children were fully immunized and 16% unimmunized. Presence of Morbidities like ARI, diarrhea, worm expulsion, pallor and vitamin A deficiency was high.

Conclusions Burden of malnutrition and poor feeding practices, poor vaccination coverage makes children in this slum susceptible to illnesses. Prompt measures should be taken to address it.