Prevalence of Stunting, wasting and underweight among Santal children of Galudih, Purbi Singbhum district, Jharkhand, India

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the differences in body stature (height), body weight, and frequency of stunted, wasted, and underweight children of the Santal ethnicity in Galudih area, Purbi Singbhum, Jharkhand, India. The study included 400 children (200 girls and 200 boys) aged between 3 and 6 years old. Stunting, wasting, and underweight were evaluated using < -2 z-scores for H-A-Z (Height-for-age), W-A-Z (weight-for-age), and W-H-Z (weight-for-height) based on the reference values recommended by the NCHS (National Center for Health Statistics). The results revealed substantial age differences in mean body weight and height for both boys and girls, with boys having significantly higher weight than girls across all ages. The mean H-A-Z, W-A-Z, and W-H-Z values were lower than those reported by NCHS for all age groups and both sexes. The overall frequency of stunting, wasting, and being underweight was higher among girls compared to boys. The combined incidences of stunting, wasting, and underweight due to sex and age were 25.3%, 12.0%, and 31.8%, respectively. Using the WHO criteria for judging the austerity of malnutrition, the incidence of wasting (9-15%) was found to be high, while the overall frequency of stunting (24-27%) was medium, and underweight was very high (30%). In conclusion, the occurrence of undernourishment of Santal children in this study was concerning, and there is an urgent need for improved supplementary nutritional programs and public health awareness initiatives within this community.