A study on relationship between protein-energy malnutrition and other morbidities among under-five children in a rural area of Hooghly district, West Bengal

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v14i8.54289

Keywords:

Protein energy malnutrition; Diarrhea; Respiratory infection; Under-five children

Abstract

Background: Malnutrition affects physical growth, morbidity, and mortality of the under-five children. It is an underlying factor in many diseases for children and is particularly prevalent in developing countries, where it affects one out of every three preschool-age children.

Aims and Objectives: The aims of this study were to find out the relationship between protein-energy malnutrition and other morbidities among under-five children.

Materials and Methods: Community-based prospective longitudinal study was conducted in 1 year duration in a rural area of Hooghly District, West Bengal. By adopting sample size calculation formula 4 pq/L2, total 108 children were participated in the study. With the help of pre-design, pre-tested schedule data were collected by interviewing the care giver, by clinical and anthropometry examination of the children and by record review.

Results: Among the study population under-weight, stunted, and wasted were 52%, 37%, and 28%, respectively, whereas malnutrition by all types of classification was 61%. Episode of diarrhea, acute respiratory infections (ARI), and worm infestation were 3.50, 4.12, and 1.38/child/year, respectively. Study shows that rate of total morbidities and prevalence of malnutrition was very much interrelated.

Conclusion: Prevalence of malnutrition along with diarrhea, ARI, and worm infestations is common ailments among rural population. Special emphasis should be given for provision of health-care services and promotion and protection of optimal infant feeding practices for the improvement of nutritional as well as health status of the children.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.
Abstract
44
PDF
61

Downloads

Published

2023-08-01

How to Cite

Tushar Kanti Saha, Eashin Gazi, & Kallol Bhandari. (2023). A study on relationship between protein-energy malnutrition and other morbidities among under-five children in a rural area of Hooghly district, West Bengal. Asian Journal of Medical Sciences, 14(8), 98–103. https://doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v14i8.54289

Issue

Section

Original Articles