Publication: Nutritional Status of Children Under Five Years in a Tertiary Care Center: A Cross-Sectional Study
Date
2025
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Nepal APF Hospital
Abstract
Abstract:
Introduction: Malnutrition remains a leading cause of under-five mortality globally and in Nepal, with significant rates of stunting, wasting, and underweight. Despite national progress, child nutrition challenges persist, especially among vulnerable groups in hospital settings. This study assesses the nutritional status of under-five children attending a tertiary care center in Nepal.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 260 under-five children attending the Pediatric Department of Nepal APF Hospital, Kathmandu, from February to June 2025 after ethical approval. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews with caregivers and anthropometric measurements. Nutritional status was assessed using WHO standards. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and logistic regression were used for analysis.
Results: Among 260 children under five years, the overall prevalence of malnutrition was 30%, including 10% stunted, 11.2% wasted, and 15.4% underweight. Malnutrition was significantly associated with the child’s age (p < 0.001), with children below 24 months more likely to be malnourished. Father's education level also showed a significant association (p = 0.005), where lower paternal education correlated with higher malnutrition rates. No significant associations were observed with maternal, environmental, or child-rearing characteristics.
Conclusion: The present study found a notable burden of malnutrition among under-five children visiting a tertiary care center in Kathmandu with younger age and father’s education significantly associated with malnutrition. Targeted early-life nutritional interventions and improved parental education can help to improve the nutritional status of under five children.
Description
Bharat Chand
Department of Pediatrics, Nepal A.P.F Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Author
https://orcid.org/0009-0006-9140-6429
Drishti Poudel
Department of Pediatrics, Nepal A.P.F Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Author
https://orcid.org/0009-0005-7075-8110
Anil Shrestha
Department of Public Health, Nepal A.P.F Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Author
https://orcid.org/0009-0006-0721-162X
Pushpa Chand Thakuri
Department of Child Health Nursing, Maharajgunj Nursing Campus, TUIOM, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Author
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5294-1174
Madhu Thapa
Department of Nutrition, Nepal A.P.F Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Author
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4781-4584
Anita Shahi
Department of Nutrition, Nepal Mediciti Hospital, Lalitpur, Nepal.
Author
https://orcid.org/0009-0005-0426-1376
Keywords
Malnutrition, stunting, underweight, wasting