Morbidity profile of under-5 slum dwellers of Amritsar city: A descriptive cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Children living in slums are deprived from basic necessities. Unhygienic environment and deficient nutrition hinder their growth and make them more prone to infectious diseases. To study morbidity profile of under-5 children and determine social epidemiological factors associated with it. A descriptive cross-sectional study in urban slums of district Amritsar. In total, 400 households each from four slums (1600 in total) were randomly selected. One to one interview with mother of each under 5 was conducted and information was recorded on pretested performa. Height and weight with haemoglobin estimation was done for each child. Descriptive statistics (frequencies and proportions) and univariate logistic regression was applied to determine factors associated with under nutrition. Out of 1136 under-5, 50, 45 and 8% were stunted, underweight and wasted. Severe malnutrition was seen among 23%. In total, 79% had anaemia. About 69% suffered from one or more infectious disease in last 3 months. Anaemia, birth order >2, lower socio-economic status and suffering from any infectious disease in last 3 months were associated with malnutrition. Severe malnutrition and anaemia was high among under-5 of urban slums and 69% suffered from infectious disease in last 3 months emphasizing on addressal of health needs of under-5 residing in urban slums.