Publication:

Factors related to under nutrition among children in a rural area in Patan district of Gujarat, India

Background Malnutrition is defined as ‘undernutrition’ resulting from inadequate consumption, poor absorption or excessive loss of nutrients and also includes ‘overnutrition’, resulting from excessive intake of specific nutrients. Infant-feeding practices play a major role in child caring practices apart from socio-cultural, demographic and economic factors. The present study was conducted to assess socio-demographic and other factors associated with undernutrition in rural areas of Patan.

Methods This present study was conducted at 6 Anganwadi centers of Kungher rural area of Patan during 2017-2018. Total 293 of 1 to 5 year children were included in the study. Secondary data was collected through study of records and reports from AWW. Mothers of selected children were interviewed for collecting desired information. The children were examined for anthropometric parameters (weight and height) and nutritional status.

Results Out of 293 children 159 (54.2%) subjects were males. Total 190 (64.8%) children were ICDS beneficiaries. More than half of children (55.6%) were undernourished. Severe malnutrition was more distributed among unregistered (54.5%). Two third of illiterate mothers had undernourished children (69.8%). More than half of children (59.9%) belonging to lower socio economic class were undernourished. More than 2/3rd of low birth weight (LBW) children were found to be undernourished.

Conclusions Child’s nutritional status had significantly affected by maternal education and occupational status. Many other key factors such as family income, gender discrimination and LBW are playing an important role in nutritional status children.