Publication:

A cross-sectional study on nutritional assessment of under-five children of brick kiln workers in a rural area of West Bengal

Background Undernutrition among under-five children remains a major public health concern in India, particularly among marginalized populations such as brick-kiln workers. These families often live in vulnerable conditions with poor access to healthcare, nutrition, and sanitation, placing children at high risk of underweight, stunting, and wasting. This study aimed to assess the nutritional status among under-five children of brick-kiln workers in a rural area of West Bengal and to identify factors associated with these conditions.

Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 220 under-five children residing in brick kilns of a rural block in West Bengal. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire. Nutritional status was assessed following WHO guidelines. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with undernutrition.

Results Among the 220 children studied, 35.6% were underweight 41.2% stunted, and 24.3% wasted. Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) as per MUAC was present in 5.6% of children. Significant factors associated with underweight included female gender (AOR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.08-3.45) and lower maternal education (AOR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.43-3.21). Stunting was significantly associated with increasing child age (AOR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.06-1.13) and low maternal education (AOR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.6-4.1).

Conclusions The prevalence of undernutrition in children of brick-kiln workers was high. Female gender, low maternal education, age, and poverty were major determinants. Targeted, inclusive, and community-based interventions are urgently needed to address nutritional needs of this vulnerable population.