Indicators of Malnutrition Among School-Going Children in an Eastern State (West Bengal) of India

ABSTRACT

This study identified determinants of malnutrition among school children in West Bengal, India. A total of 896 children aged between 4 and 13 years in eight districts were evaluated. BMI, weight, and height-for-age z-scores were used to categorize the stages of malnutrition. The study results revealed that the average height of the boys and girls was as per the standards set by the National Council of Health Sciences. Body mass index of the children ranged between 14.4 and 21.42 kg/m², and stunting was 56.77%. Age and stunting were positively correlated in 5- to 10-year-old children. The most common deficiency was of fluoride.

KEYWORDS:

• BMI for age
• MUAC
• stunting
• weight for age

Acknowledgments

The logistic support provided by the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education, Government of India for conducting the study is duly acknowledged.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The study was supported by the thirteenth Joint Review Mission, (2023) West Bengal, Government of India, Ministry of Education, Department of School Education & Literacy. PM Poshan.