An Epidemiological Study of Malnutrition in Children of Chandigarh And Surrounding Areas.

Malnutrition is a silent emergency. Child Malnutrition is a deficiency diseases due to insufficient intake of one or more specific nutrients such as vitamins or minerals. In the assessment of child malnutrition, a large number of measures are available. 2048 children had undergone questionnaire and dietary survey and health examination. In the present study, according to BMI categories, malnutrition is more pronounced in girls as compared to boys. Malnourished females were 69.79% as compared to males (64.69%) and malnourished subjects were more in rural population (71.29%) than the urban population (61.16%). In the present study, according to BMI-for-age percentile, 24.80% children were underweight in of 10–19 age groups. Underweight children were more in rural population (28.81%) as compared to urban population (20.75%). In the present study children and adolescents of age groups 10–19, 66.26% are malnourished and underweight and most of the females (69.79%) are malnourished and underweight. We are raising a generation which is debilitated and cannot contribute effectively to our country economically and other wise.