Publication:

Prevalence and determinants of malnutrition among children aged 1-6 years registered in Anganwadis of urban health training centre of a medical college of North-West zone of Ahmedabad city

Background Child Malnutrition encompasses a wide spectrum of undernutrition, and among them, stunting is a global health issue presently. Higher levels of stunting among under-five children are still a major problem in Gujarat where rates have either stagnated or worsened. So, the study aims to investigate its burden and associated risk factors.

Methods The cross-sectional study involved 101 registered children aged 13-71 months across 28 Anganwadi centres of UHTC, Ognaj, Ahmedabad. The sample size was 100, based on 39% prevalence of stunting in Gujarat (@ 3-4 children per Anganwadi). Mothers of children were interviewed physically using a pre-validated questionnaire and their anthropometric measurements were recorded. Results were analysed in MS Excel using descriptive statistics and chi-square test to draw inferences.

Results Stunting, wasting, and underweight were present in 34 (33.7%), 32 (31.7%), and 41 (40.6%) children, respectively. Stunting alone was present in 54.8% of undernourished children. Undernutrition was at the base of the pyramid of malnutrition with 62 (61.4%) children, while at the tip were 10 (9.9%), with all three types of malnutrition. Key determinants of stunting included mother’s height, father's education, caste, age, birth order, weight, and the timing of complementary feeding.

Conclusions While one in two children faced undernutrition, one in three had stunting, accounting for over half of undernourished children. Timely interventions of modifiable factors, comprehensive management, amendment of current programs focusing more on severely stunted children, long-term follow-up, and integration with the RBSK program can help reduce stunting.