A STUDY ON MALNUTRITION AMONG CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 5 IN MANDLA DISTRICT OF MADHYA PRADESH

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the prevalence and socio-demographic determinants of malnutrition among under-5 years old children in Mandla district. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in three blocks (Bijadandi, Narayanganj, and Niwas) of Mandla district of M.P. For this study, the calculated sample size was 276 children under 5 years of age. Multistage Random sampling was used, and the required sample size was collected from 12 villages in these 3 blocks. A predesigned and pretested schedule was administered by asking for a history from the mother, and anthropometric measurements of the children were recorded. Results: The overall prevalence of underweight (<median-2SD) was found to be 51.81%. Whereas 18.12% were severe underweight (<median- 3SD) and 33.70% were moderate underweight (<median 3SD to-2SD). The prevalence of stunting among under-5-year-old children was found to be 46.74% (<median-2SD). The prevalence of severe stunting (<median-3SD) was 15.94%, while that of moderate stunting (<median 3SD to-2SD) was 30.80%. The overall prevalence of wasting was 24.72%. In which 21.01% were moderately wasted, and 4.71% were severely wasted. Conclusion: The findings of the present study revealed the widespread prevalence of undernutrition among under-5-year-old children. Data show that 51.81% of children under 5 years of age are underweight, 46.74% are stunted, and 24.72% are wasted in our study area, which is much higher than national figures and highlights the need for an integrated approach toward improving child health as well as nutritional status in this area.