Prevalence and associated factors of nutritional status among children under 5 years: a community-based cross-sectional study in Bhimdatta municipality, Kanchanpur, Nepal.

Abstract

To assess the nutritional status and identify associated factors among children under 5 years residing in Ward 10 of Bhimdatta Municipality, Kanchanpur District, Sudurpashchim Province, Nepal. Community-based cross-sectional study. Ward 10 of Bhimdatta Municipality, the second-largest ward by population within the municipality. A total of 248 children aged 6-59 months were selected using simple random sampling from a list of eligible children compiled through the local vitamin A supplementation programme. Children who were ill for more than 7 days, had physical deformities or whose mothers were illiterate were excluded. Data were collected between 2 January and 25 May 2024. Nutritional status was assessed using anthropometric indicators-height-for-age (stunting), weight-for-height (wasting) and weight-for-age (underweight)-according to WHO Child Growth Standards. Measurements were taken using a ShorrBoard to the nearest 0.1 cm, and WHO Anthro V.3.1.0 was used to generate Z-scores. Data were analysed using EpiData V.3.1 and SPSS V.20. Descriptive statistics were computed, and χ² tests identified candidate variables for multinomial logistic regression to determine factors associated with nutritional status. The study found that 35.08% of children under 5 years in Ward 10 were affected by some form of under-nutrition. A significant association was observed between under-nutrition and exclusive breastfeeding practices (p<0.05), underscoring the importance of early infant feeding practices. Model adequacy was confirmed using likelihood ratio and Pearson's χ² tests. Under-nutrition remains a major public health concern among children under 5 years in Bhimdatta Municipality. Interventions focusing on promoting exclusive breastfeeding, improving maternal education and strengthening household food security are recommended to enhance child nutritional outcomes.