A Study to Assess Prevalence and Determinants of Undernutrition Among Under Five Children with a View to Develop Pamphlet Regarding Prevention of Undernutrition in Selected Anganbadis at Bilaspur District (C.G.)

Abstract

The findings of the study in prevalence of undernutrition revealed that with regard to stunting (height for age) 12 (20%) were severely stunted, 10 (16.67%) were stunted and 38 (63.66%) were normal as assessed by WHO growth chart based on Z-score. With regard to underweight (weight for age) 9(15%) were under weight, only 6 (10%) were severely underweight and 45 (75%) were normal as assessed by WHO growth chart based on Z-score. With regard to wasting (weight for height) 7 (11.67%) were both low weight and underweight, only 2 (3.33%) have possible risk of overweight and 44 (73.33%) were normal as assessed by WHO growth chart based on Z-score. With regard to mid upper-arm circumference 7(11.7%) have mild undernutrition and moderate to severe undernutrition as respectively and 46 (76.67%) have no undernutrition as assessed by WHO growth chart based on Z-Score. The findings of the study in Determinants of undernutrition revealed that with reference to dietary pattern 88.33% children skip their breakfast. 78.33% and 28.33% children do not eat fruits and fresh green leafy vegetables respectively. 26.67% children take non-nutritive substances like mud, chalk etc. 16.67% do not breast feed their baby after first 6 months of life. With reference to sanitation factors 80% do not store cleaning supplies and equipment’s away from food. 75% people place uncooked food items on bare floors. With reference to water hygiene 55% each do not have access to clean drinking water supply at home and go out of the house to get water from community borewell respectively.51.67% do not wash hands before eating meal. With reference to socio-economic factors 80% do not have adequate savings at time of economic distress. 38.33% do not have access to proper medical care of the child. With reference to cultural & religious factors 51.67% are non-vegetarian. 30% of subjects practice folk medicine witch craft when the child is sick. With reference to morbidity factors 51.67% children suffered from diseases in past 6 months. 20% parents do not seek health care assistance. With reference to family welfare 90% have 2 children. 25% have spacing between 2 children (less than 2 years of age). The findings of Chi square analysis reveals that there is significant association between the between prevalence of undernutrition mid upper arm circumference (MUAC) and determinants of undernutrition as the calculated chi square value (7.57) was greater than the table value (5.99) at df (2) respectively at 0.05 level of significance. Hence HI is accepted with reference to mid upper arm circumference (MUAC), however it is rejected with reference to stunting, underweight and wasting.