Under nutrition And Its Determinants among Children between 1–5 years of age residing In an Urban Slum of Bagalkot city, Karnataka State

Under five children are vulnerable population in the community with respect to malnutrition especially those residing in urban slums. Malnutrition is a major contributing factor for under five deaths.

This study was done to know the prevalence of under nutrition and its determinants in children between 1–5 years of age.

This cross sectional study was conducted from June 1^st 2015 to August 31st 2015. Based on prevalence of underweight (48.1%) in a study done in Gulbarga, Karnataka, a sample of 109 Children between 1-5years age group residing in urban field practice area and enrolled in anganwadi were recruited using simple random technique. Mothers of these children were interviewed using predesigned, Pretested, Semi-structured proforma after taking informed consent. Under nutrition was graded using WHO 2006 anthropometric standards. Data was analyzed by using Open Epi software.

Prevalence of underweight, stunting and wasting were 48.6%, 45% and 20% respectively. Low birth weight (65%) and lower socioeconomic status (class IV-58.2% and Class V-41.7%) were significantly associated with underweight among these children (p= <0.05). Proportion of underweight was high in children aged 3–5 years (55–67.6%). Children who received colostrum, exclusively breastfed for 6 months and timely weaning was done showed lower proportion of underweight.

Prevalence of under nutrition is high in this area and hence MCH services should focus on antenatal mothers and awareness regarding child feeding practices and low cost weaning foods should be created.