Prevalence and Determinants of Undernutrition among Children Aged 6–59 Months in Northeast India: A Hospital-based Cross-sectional Study
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Date
2024-01
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International Research Organization for Life & Health Sciences
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Undernutrition (UN) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in children under 5 years of age in developing countries. The prevalence of UN is high and its causes are multifactorial. To estimate the prevalence of UN and identify its determinants among children aged 6–59 months attending pediatric outpatient department at a tertiary care institute. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2020 to May 2021 on 360 children. All children were examined clinically, including anthropometric measurements. Multiple logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify the determinants of different categories of UN. Results: The mean age of presentation was 25.3 months ± 14.86 standard deviations, with males comprising 52.3%. The prevalence of stunting was highest (26.39%), followed by underweight (25.28%) and wasting (15.83%). The important determinants of being underweight were exclusively breastfeeding <6 months, nuclear family, and incomplete immunization. Younger age, unprotected water, and comorbidities with anemia, diarrhea, and acute respiratory tract infection were the main predictors for stunting. The major determinants for wasting were lower mother’s education and improper hand hygiene in addition to nuclear family and incomplete immunization. Conclusion: Identifying determinants of the UN will help in addressing the policymakers to improve maternal literacy, promote breastfeeding and nutrition programs, provide infection control, and better sanitation and water facilities at the community level. Strengthening the screening for the nutritional status of children under 5 years should be performed in every childcare/facility base center.
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Keywords
Analysis, Children, Determinants, Prevalence, Undernutrition
Citation
Devi RR, Singh CI, Omita T, Gitaranjan T. Prevalence and Determinants of Undernutrition among Children Aged 6–59 Months in Northeast India: A Hospital-based Cross-sectional Study. International Journal of Scientific Study. 2024 Jan; 11(10): 58-64