Abstract
Introduction: Nutritional status of children is a proxy indicator for assessing the entire population health status and one of the major predictors of child survival. Despite the various efforts, malnutrition among children is remaining as a major public health problem in Nepal. This study was conducted to assess the nutritional status of under-five year children and to find out the factors associated with childhood malnutrition. Methods: For assessing the nutritional status of under-five children and factors associated a cross-sectional study was conducted in Kapilvastu district, Nepal. District was selected purposively and out of 76 village development committees (VDCs) of the district 30 VDCs were selected by applying simple random method. Total 450 children i.e. 15 children from each VDC were chosen conveniently. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 16 version and World Health Organization (WHO) Anthro 3.2.2 version were used for analyzing the data. Results: Better socio-economic status, mother's age 20-35 years, birth order up to second, gap more than two year between two pregnancies, recommended exclusive breast feeding, early recommended supplementary foods, complete immunization and timely care seeking had positive effect on children health, which were also statistically significant. Considering the weight-for-height, height-for-age, BMI-for-age and MUAC-for-age; 5% to 60% children were below -2SD (standard deviation) and nearly one-fourth below -3SD. Conclusion: In Kapilvastu more than 60% children had any kind of malnutrition. Out of them nearly one-fourth children were in critical condition (below -3SD) and they need immediate intervention.
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call