Publication: Malnutrition Status Among Under - 5 Children in a Hill Community of Nepal
Date
2014
Authors
Gaurav, K
Poudel, I S
Bhattarai, S
Pradhan, PMS
Pokharel, PK
Article Type
Original Article
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
1812-2027
Volume Title
Pages
Pages: 264 - 268
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