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Malnutrition, Pediatric Population, Dietary habit, Anthropometric measurements, Socio-economic Status, Food security, Child Health Status, Maternal Health, Environmental Factors. |
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Background: In the global context, malnutrition among children under the age of 5 persists as a critical health issue with severe consequences, including elevated rates of illness and mortality. Despite economic growth, India continues to grapple with high rates of severe wasting, underweight, and stunting among children, as evidenced by data from the National Family Health Survey. The intricate link between poverty and childhood malnutrition underscores the need for comprehensive interventions addressing socio-economic, environmental, dietary, and healthcare-related factors. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of dietary diversity in child feeding practices and its association with proper growth and nutritional outcomes. Understanding the multifaceted determinants of malnutrition is crucial for developing effective intervention strategies tailored to local contexts and improving child nutrition outcomes.
Objective: The primary objective of this study is to comprehensively identify and evaluate the prevalence of diverse risk factors contributing to malnutrition among children under 5 years old. These risk factors encompass various dimensions, including dietary habits, anthropometric indicators, socioeconomic status, maternal and child health conditions, food security, and environmental factors.
The secondary goal of this research is to translate the findings into actionable recommendations for policymakers and healthcare professionals. Drawing upon evidence-based insights gleaned from the study, these recommendations will be tailored to address the specific needs and challenges identified within the community. By offering targeted interventions and strategies, the aim is to empower policymakers and healthcare practitioners to devise effective measures aimed at reducing the prevalence of malnutrition among children under 5 years of age.
Methodology: The study conducted was cross-sectional observational study carried out in Mumbra (Town in Thane district). Data of 100 children were collected. The children were selected through purposive sampling and according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The data of children was collected after consents of the parents/caregivers of the children through personal interviews with the help of a questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of socioeconomic status of children, anthropometric measurements like height, weight and MUAC, dietary habit like daily dietary intake, dietary diversity score, and feeding history, food security, Child health status, environmental factors and maternal health.
Result: The study analyzed demographic characteristics, nutritional status, socioeconomic factors, and health-related indicators among 100 children aged 6-60 months. The findings revealed a concerning prevalence of malnutrition, with 33% stunted, 37% underweight, and 65% experiencing weight-for-height malnutrition i.e. Moderate and severe acute malnutrition. Socioeconomic data indicated a predominance of lower-income households, with 78% classified as upper lower class. Food security emerged as a significant concern, with 44% facing occasional or frequent food unavailability due to financial constraints. Dietary practices showed deficiencies in dietary variety and nutrient-rich food consumption. Breastfeeding rates were high, but early introduction of weaning foods was suboptimal. Maternal health issues, such as repetitive pregnancies and hyperemesis gravidarum, underscored the need for improved family planning and prenatal care. Overall, the data emphasized the multifaceted nature of malnutrition and highlighted the necessity for comprehensive interventions targeting dietary diversity, food security, breastfeeding practices, and health and sanitation improvements to promote child well-being.
Conclusion: This study provides a comprehensive understanding of malnutrition among children aged 6-60 months, revealing the complex interplay of various factors contributing to its prevalence. The findings highlight the urgent need for intervention, particularly concerning food insecurity and suboptimal dietary practices. While positive indicators were identified, such as good health and hygiene practices, challenges such as repetitive pregnancies and hyperemesis gravidarum among mothers persist. Comprehensive interventions targeting dietary diversity, food security, breastfeeding practices, maternal and child health services, and environmental conditions are essential for addressing malnutrition effectively. By addressing these factors holistically, policymakers and healthcare professionals can work towards reducing the prevalence of malnutrition and improving child well-being in the community.
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