Nutritional status of under-5 children in Bangalore city during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abstract

COVID-19 pandemic and the resultant social isolation, declined vaccination, and lack of school enrolment have contributed to undernutrition among children. To assess nutritional status and associated factors among children aged 1-5 years enrolled in urban Anganwadis in Austin Town area, Bangalore city, during the COVID-19 pandemic. A random sample of 100 children aged 1-5 years enrolled in two Anganwadis located in Austin Town was chosen. Data were collected using a structured face-validated questionnaire and measuring anthropometry. Nutrition status was classified using WHO Child Growth Standards. There were 43% females and 57% males. The majority were in the age group of 4-5 years (32%) and belonged to a nuclear family 47%. 76% had a birth weight of more than 2.5 kg, 80% of them were full term, and 92% were immunized for age. Pre-COVID-19, 26% of the families were in lower middle and lower classes, and this proportion increased to 46% during COVID-19. Moderate acute malnutrition was observed among 12% of the children, and severe acute malnutrition was observed among 4% of the children. The factor which was significantly associated with malnutrition was the child's diet history of 3 meals and 2 snacks per day (<i>P</i> value 0.02). The prevalence of severe acute malnutrition is 4%. Child's diet history of 3 meals and 2 snacks is a significant protective factor against malnutrition. Community-based intervention such as nutrition education should be provided at Anganwadis for prevention of childhood malnutrition.