Prevalence Of Under-Nutrition Among Children And Its Association With Educational And Occupational Status Of Mothers In An Urban Area Of Haryana.

ABSTRACT

Background: Undernutrition refers to a pathological state resulting from a relative or absolute deficiency of one or more essential nutrients. The term undernutrition 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. Undernutrition rates were found to be higher in children whose mothers were illiterate and working. Conclusion: It was revealed in this study that the prevalence of undernutrition was unacceptably high among the children. Every endeavor should be made to combat the undernutrition in children through multi-sectoral and multipronged approach.