Publication: Stunting among Children Aged 6 to 59 Months Visiting the Outpatient Department of Pediatrics in a Tertiary Care Centre
Date
2023
Authors
Acharya, Sharda
Thapa, Bibechan
Kansakar, Rochak
Shakya, Henish
Dhakal, Ajaya Kumar
KC, Divya
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Nepal Medical Association
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction: Stunting refers to low height for age, resulting from chronic undernutrition, often linked to poor socio-economic conditions, maternal health, infant care, and nutrition. It hinders children's physical and cognitive development. In Nepal, over half of children under five suffer from malnutrition. Despite efforts, stunting remains high but has decreased from 57% in 1996 to 25% in 2022. The aim of the study was to find out the prevalence of stunting among children aged 6 to 59 months visiting the outpatient Department of Pediatrics in a tertiary care centre.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among children aged 6 to 59 months visiting the outpatient Department of Pediatrics in a tertiary care centre after obtaining ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee from 27 April 2023 to 15 July 2023. Anthropometric measurements were taken. World health organization standard growth charts for Z score was used appropriately for the completed age in months and gender of the child. A pre-designed questionnaire was used for face-to-face interviews. Convenience sampling method was used. The point estimate was calculated at a 95% Confidence Interval.
Results: Among 320 children, 46 (14.38%) (10.54-18.22, 95% Confidence Interval) children had stunting. Among those 46 children with stunting, 20 (43.47%) had severe stunting.
Conclusions: The prevalence of stunting among children aged 6 to 59 months was found to be lower than other studies done in similar settings.
Description
Sharda Acharya
Department of Pediatrics, KIST Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Imadol, Lalitpur, Nepal
Bibechan Thapa
Department of Surgery, Nepal National Hospital, Kalanki, Kathmandu, Nepal
Rochak Kansakar
Department of Emergency Medicine and Intensive Care Unit, Kathmandu Valley Neuro and General Hospital, Bagdurbar, Kathmandu, Nepal
Henish Shakya
Department of Pediatrics, KIST Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Imadol, Lalitpur Nepal
Ajaya Kumar Dhakal
Department of Pediatrics, KIST Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Imadol, Lalitpur Nepal
Divya KC
Department of Pediatrics, KIST Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Imadol, Lalitpur Nepal