Title: A study on epidemiological determinants of malnutrition and health status of under-5 children in the field practice area of rural health training center
Abstract: Introduction: Malnutrition is the condition that results from eating a diet in which certain nutrients are lacking, in excess, or in the wrong proportions. Child is the victim of interplay of nutrition, socioeconomic (SE), and health factors that cause malnutrition.Aim: The aim is to study the epidemiological determinants of malnutrition and health status of under-5 children.Material and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was carried out in 600 under-5 (0–59 months) children from March 1, 2012 to July 31, 2013, in Rural Health Training Center field practice area by house-to-house survey till the desired sample was achieved. Sociodemographic information, mother's obstetric history, clinical examination, and anthropometry measurement of under-5 children and immunization status (either by history or by available medical records) was obtained.Results: Majority (534 [89%]) of children were Hindus, from lower SE Class III and IV, 337 (56.2%) and 193 (32.2%), respectively. Sex ratio was 980 females/1000 males. Quarter (122) of the children belonged to age group 0–11 months followed by 138 (23%) and 123 (20.5%) from 12 to 23 months and 48–59 months, respectively. The prevalence of wasting, stunting, and underweight was 151 (25.2%), 237 (39.5%), and 223 (37.2%), respectively. Acute morbidity rate was observed to be 47 (7.8%). Full immunization appropriate for age was 537 (89.5%). Under-5 mortality rate was 30/1000 under-5 years children per year (n = 18).Conclusion: Prevalence of malnutrition was high in males and lower SE Class (III and IV). Acute morbidity was higher in males than females.