NUTRITIONAL ASSESSEMENT OF 6-59 MONTHS CHILDREN of PRAKASHPUR VDC, SUNSARI

Abstract

Malnutrition among children is one of the major public health problems in Nepal. A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in Prakashpur VDC, Sunsari district to study the nutritional status of 6-59 months children. A total of 165 children residing in Prakashpur VDC were taken for the study. Data was collected using pretested, semi-structured questionnaire to obtain information on socio-economic status, child and maternal characteristics, hygiene practices, feeding practices and vaccination status. Anthropometric measurements (height, weight, MUAC) were used to determine if the children were wasted, stunted or underweight based on WHO reference. The study revealed that the prevalence of wasting, stunting and underweight were 11.5%, 53.7% and 26.1% respectively. Severe wasting, stunting and underweight were found to be 3%, 30.5% and 7.3% respectively. The study found significant difference in wasting with family yearly income (p=0.006) and exclusive breastfeeding (p=0.03). On the basis of MUAC, 4.8% were severely malnourished and 4.8% were moderately malnourished. The findings conclude poor nutritional status of 6-59 months children of Prakashpur VDC and to overcome the problems nutrition intervention programs focusing risk factors should be launched.