Abstract
Background: Under nutrition refers to a pathological state resulting from a relative or absolute deficiency of one or more essential nutrients. The term under nutrition encompasses wasting, stunting and underweight. As per National Family Health Survey IV (2015-16), prevalence of stunting, wasting and underweight among under-five children in India is 38.4%, 21% and 35.7% respectively.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in an urban area of district Rohtak from July 2016 to June 2017 among 400 children (1-5 years of age) which were randomly selected from 14 anganwadi centers. The anthropometric measurement and nutritional status categorization among children was done using WHO guidelines.
Results: The prevalence of stunting, wasting and underweight to be 33.8%, 21.5% and 34.5% respectively. Under nutrition rates were found to be significantly higher in children whose mothers were illiterate, children belonging to SC category and children of lower and upper-lower socio-economic class.
Conclusion: It was revealed in this study that the prevalence of under nutrition was unacceptably high among the children. Every endeavor should be made to combat the under nutrition in children through multi-sectoral and multipronged approach.
Keywords: under nutrition, children, urban, nutrition.
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Corresponding Author
Dr R.B.Jain
Senior Professor, Community Medicine, Pt B D Sharma, PGIMS, Rohtak
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Mobile: 9416267947
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v6i3.89
