A cross-sectional study to assess acute malnutrition among under-5 children in the field practise area of a teaching hospital in Chennai.

Abstract

Malnutrition is one of the leading problem mainly in childhood, affecting growth and development especially under 5 years of age. According to NFHS-4, under-5 children about 27% are stunted, 20% are wasted and 24% are underweight. Determining acute malnutrition (wasting) and its factors is necessary to prevent complications. To assess acute malnutrition among under 5 years children and determine associated factors responsible. Cross-sectional study done at field practice area under a teaching hospital in Chennai. Totally, 149 children under 5 years of age were selected and assessed for acute malnutrition using WHO standards (Z-scoring) by calculating weight for height. Questionnaire for checking associated factors was used. Data were entered in excel spreadsheet and analyzed using SPSS software version 16 and for inferential statistical analysis was done using Chi square test. Among the study population, 87.2% children were normal, 10% of children had wasting (below -2 S.D.) and 2.8% of children had severe wasting (below -3 S.D.). Wasting was also prevalent among people of low socioeconomic class and was maximum in children of age group 1-3 years. Low birth weight, absence of exclusive breast feeding and complementary feeding practices, partial immunization and other illnesses also had effect, leading to acute malnutrition. Level of acute malnutrition in the field practice area is lesser than the national average and determines few factors associated with malnutrition among under - 5 children.