Determinants of Malnutrition Among Children Less Than Five Years of Age

Determinants of Malnutrition Among Children

Abstract

Malnutrition remains the most serious health problem and the single leading contributor of child morbidity and mortality among children under 5 years of age. Worldwide, malnutrition causes almost one-third of the children's deaths each year which is approximately 2.6 million even before they turn five.

Objective: To find out the determinants of malnutrition in children less than 5 years of age in Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore.

Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore. A sample of 350 malnourished children of both genders was selected through non probability convenient sampling from Preventive Pediatrics Department of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore. Data were collected through pre-tested questionnaire. SPSS version 21.0 was used for data analysis.

Results: The prevalence of female malnourished children (52%) was higher than males; 48% and 56% mothers delivering babies with Caesarean while 64% children were premature at the time of birth. 54% mothers were physical abused during the pregnancy, 38% of the children did not receive exclusive breast feeding up to 6 months and only 6% mothers fed their children up to 2 years. 69% mothers were introducing weaning food after 6 months.

Conclusions: Malnutrition was more prevalent in females. Major risk factors for mal nutrition were pre-mature birth, lack of breast feeding, inadequate weaning and poverty.