Publication: Nutritional Status of Under-Five Children in Western Nepal
Date
2014
Authors
Article Type
Original Article
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
ISSN 1990-7974 eISSN 1990-7982
Volume Title
Pages
Pages: 119 - 124
Publisher
Nepal Paediatric Society (JNPS)
Abstract
Abstract:
Introduction: Undernutrition is a major health problem in developing countries which may have adverse effects on growth and development of an individual. The objectives of this study were to assess the prevalence and grades of malnutrition in children below 60 months of age, attending outpatient department at Gandaki Medical College teaching hospital.
Materials and Methods: A prospective study was conducted among 556 children below 60 months of age from August to December 2013. Weight and length/height were measured using standard technique and were plotted on WHO centiles curves and severity determined based on WHO classification. The prevalence of underweight, stunting and wasting were determined by anthropometry.
Results: Based on WHO classification, out of 556 children, 20.2% were underweight, 34% were stunted and 15.1% were wasted respectively. Of them, severe underweight were 4.7%, severe stunted were 14.1% and severe wasted were 7.2% respectively.
Conclusion: A high prevalence of undernutrition exists in under- five children attending a tertiary hospital in a western region of Nepal.
Description
Bandana Shrestha
Department of Paediatrics, Gandaki Medical College Teaching Hospital and Research Centre, Pokhara
Keywords
anthropometry, under five children, undernutrition
Identifier
https://doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v34i2.10566