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Factors Associated with Undernutrition among Indian Children


Suresh Kumar Rathi, Jayant Mayavanshi
Pages: 119-134
ISBN: 978-93-5834-346-5


Current Research in Food Science (Volume -8)

Current Research in Food Science
(Volume - 8)

Abstract

Background: Undernutrition in children continues to be a serious public health issue and is one of the main causes of illness and early mortality among children of under-five. Objective: This study explores the factors of the nutritional status of under-five children by using the Composite Index of Anthropometric Failure (CIAF). Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried with a total of 749 children which were selected through random sampling. Assessment of the nutritional status of the children was computed through CIAF. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was applied to see the strength of the association of independent variables with the dependent variable. Results: The prevalence of undernutrition was 54.5% among under five children according to CIAF. Also, 26.5% of the children had a single anthropometric failure. It was observed that female children were more likely to suffer of undernutrition than male children. Children age (13-24 Months): [aOR:1.48, CI: 1.10-1.86]; female child: [aOR:2.88, CI: 1.65-4.97]; family monthly income of up to INR 15,000 [aOR: 2.46, CI: 1.77-4.82], underweight mother: [aOR: 2.01, CI: 1.18-3.21]; mother’s education above secondary level: [aOR: 2.68, CI: 1.29-3.01], working mother: [aOR: 1.95, CI: 1.57-2.89], and age of introducing complementary food: [aOR: 1.88, CI: 1.62-2.36] were significantly associated with anthropometric failure among children. Conclusion: CIAF is a useful tool that provides a holistic picture of the overall prevalence of undernutrition. However, more evidence is required in similar settings to confirm its usefulness.

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