Abstract:
The aim of this study was to find out the nutritional status of 6-59 months children of
Dharan Sub-metropolitan city, Sunsari and its association with mother’s knowledge on
child care. Only one child aged 6-59 months from each household (n=165) of Dharan using
probability proportionate sampling was taken. Anthropometric measurement of the child
was taken and data was taken on household socioeconomic characteristics, child
characteristics, hygiene and sanitation practice using pre tested semi structured
questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 and WHO Anthro 3.3.2 version.
Chi-square test was used to find out the factors associated with nutritional status of the
children.
Prevalence of underweight, wasting and stunting was 7.9%, 1.2% and 25.5%
respectively. It was seen that prevalence of underweight and wasting was similar in both
sexes while stunting was seen higher in female children. Prevalence of stunting was seen
high in 12-23 months and 48-59 months aged children. Underweight and wasting was more
prevalent in 48-59 months aged children. . More than 30% of the mothers had good
knowledge on child care, 57.6% had an average and 9.7% of mothers had poor knowledge
on child care. The prevalence of stunting was significantly associated (P<0.05) with
paternal education status, maternal education status and total annual income of the family.
Similarly, study indicated that child weight at birth, knowledge of mother on correct time
to initiate complementary feeding and type of complementary feeding given was
significantly associated (P<0.05) with underweight.
