Prevalence of under-nutrition and its correlates among under 3 year-old children in rural areas of Andhra Pradesh, India
Meshram, I.I.; Laxmaiah, A.; Gal Reddy, C.; Ravindranath, M.; Venkaiah, K.; Brahmam, G.N.V.
Annals of Human Biology 38(1): 93-101
2011
ISSN/ISBN: 1464-5033 PMID: 20812881 DOI: 10.3109/03014460.2010.498387Document Number: 223779
Under-nutrition continues to be a major public health problem, especially among young children in India. The present study was undertaken to assess the nutritional status of under-3 year-old children and factors associated with under-nutrition. A community-based cross-sectional survey was carried out in 40 Anganwadi centre villages of Medak district of Andhra Pradesh, India. A total of 805 children were selected for nutritional assessment in terms of under-weight, stunting and wasting using the new WHO growth standards. Wealth index was calculated using principal components analysis. A conceptual hierarchical framework was used as a basis for controlling for the explanatory factors in multivariate analysis. Prevalence of under-weight, stunting and wasting was ~39%, 30% and 22%, respectively. The risk of under-weight and stunting was 1.80- and 3.02-times higher among 12-23 months and 3.13- and 5.50-times higher among 24-36 months children as compared to children under 12 months, respectively. The risk of under-weight was 2.74- and 1.73-times higher among children belonging to the lowest and middle household wealth index, respectively. Under-nutrition is a significant public health problem among under 3 year-old children. The prevalence of under-nutrition was significantly higher among boys and those belonging to the lowest and middle wealth index. Thus, implementation of appropriate nutritional intervention strategies and improvement in household socio-economic condition may help in improving nutritional status.