Publication:

Association of socio-demographic factors with undernutrition in children under five with cleft palate: a cross-sectional study in a South Indian tertiary hospital

Background Children with cleft palates face unique challenges that increase their risk of undernutrition. While feeding issues are well established, the role of sociodemographic factors in nutritional outcomes remains underexplored in low-resource settings. To estimate the prevalence of undernutrition and assess its association with sociodemographic factors in children with cleft palate.

Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital in Chennai over 19 months. A total of 218 children under five with cleft palates were enrolled. Nutritional status was assessed using the WHO anthropometric indicators. Associations between undernutrition and sociodemographic factors were analyzed using chi-square tests and odds ratios.

Results Undernutrition was observed in 70.2% of the children. Most participants were below 3 years of age (and 54.5% were male. The majority belonged to lower-middle and middle-income socioeconomic classes. A higher proportion of undernourished children were born preterm (71.5%). Maternal education was low in a subset of mothers, with 5.5% being illiterate. Feeding difficulties such as nasal regurgitation were commonly reported.

Conclusions Socioeconomic disadvantage and low maternal education significantly contribute to undernutrition in children with cleft palate. Early interventions targeting these factors are essential for improving nutritional outcomes.