Publication: Malnutrition Status Among Under - 5 Children in a Hill Community of Nepal
Date
2014
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background
Malnutrition, especially under nutrition puts children at increased risk of morbidity
and mortality and remains a serious barrier in child growth, development and
survival. This is a major public health problem among under- 5 children in Nepal
particularly in rural areas.
Objective
To assess the burden and contributing factors for malnutrition in hill community of
Ilam district in eastern Nepal.
Method
A cross sectional study was conducted in rural hill communities of Ilam district, Nepal
with a sample of 240 under- 5 children. Anthropometric measurements were used
as per WHO guidelines to asses three nutritional status: Underweight, Stunting, and
Wasting using descriptive statistics and chi square test was applied using SPSS 12.0
to assess social and predisposing factors.
Result
Seventeen percent of under- 5 children were moderately and 10.4 % were severely
underweight. Similarly, 22.9%, and 17.5% were found to be moderately and severely
stunted respectively. Less than 10% were found to be moderately and severely
wasted. Older age group of children, education level of mother, not exclusive breast
feeding practice had significant (p <0.05) effect on stunting. More than 50% children
were affected with stunting, underweight and wasting at the same time.
Conclusion
Significant proportion of under - 5 children were malnourished in the communities
of the hilly areas. The study unveiled the importance of literacy and exclusive breast
feeding for the prevention of malnutrition in under- 5 children.
KEY WORDS
Contributing factors, malnutrition, Nepal, under- 5 children.
Description
Gaurav K, Poudel I S, Bhattarai S, Pradhan PMS, Pokharel PK
School of Public Health and Community Medicine
B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
Keywords
Contributing factors, Malnutrition, Nepal, Under- 5 children