Prevalence of under-nutrition and its correlates among under 3 year-old children in rural areas of Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

Background: 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.

Method: 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.

Results: 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.

Conclusions: 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.

Keywords::

• Underweight
• stunting
• wasting
• socio-demography
• feeding practices

Acknowledgement

We are thankful to Dr. Sesikeran B, Director, for his guidance and help in carrying out the study. We are also thankful to Dr. Balakrishna N, for his help in analysis of data, also thankful to Mr Ramakrishna, Ms Neeraja and other field staff involved in carrying out this study.

Declaration of interest: The authors acknowledge the financial support by UNICEF and District administration of Medak. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.