Prevalence of Malnutrition (Overweight and Underweight) in Children Aged 10-13 Years in Schools in Manipal and Utopia, Karnataka

Abstract

Background. Malnutrition is a major health problem in India. It mostly affects children of school going age with serious health problems putting them at an increased risk for developing chronic diseases later in life. This study aims to study the prevalence of malnutrition (overweight and underweight) in children aged 10-13 years in schools in Manipal and Utopia, Karnataka.
 
 Materials and Methods. In this study, a total 400 students were studied. Their anthropometric measurements like height, weight, BMI and MUAC, dietary pattern, physical activity level, and child eating behavior. Questionnaire was used to note the student’s information. The data collected was subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS version 21, Diet Cal, and Anthroplus1.0.4.
 
 Results. It was observed that in the childhood category 10-13 years there were 222 (55.5%) male and 178(44.5%) female. According to the BMI for age 53.4% of them falls under the normal category; 22.3% falls under the mild wasting category; About 18.3% falls under the obese category and 8% falls under the moderate wasting category. There is no students falling under the severe wasting and overweight category according to the BAZ classification. When the height for age was done for all the children, about 36.3% falls under normal height; About 35.5% falls under mild stunting; 19.3% falls under the moderate stunting; 8.3% falls under the severe stunting category; and 1% falls under tall category according to the HAZ classification. 
 
 Conclusions. In conclusion, mild stunting and wasting was observed among children. There are no students falling under the severe wasting and overweight category according to the BAZ classification.