Nutritional status of children under five years of age in a slum community in lahore

ABSTRACT

A survey was conducted in the under privileged community of Liaqatabad near M.A.O. College, Lahore,to find out the nutritional status of children under five years of age. Out of 350 children, 72% were lying in different grades of malnutrition. Prevalence of malnutrition was on increase with the advancement of age. Family size was directly proportional to the degree of malnutrition. On this basis, a proper education of mothers on various aspects of child health is stressed upon as well as growth monitoring, oral rehydration therapy, breastfeeding, immunisation, child birth spacing and mother's nutrition are to be taken into consideration. Measures to improve all these parameters are essential