Assessment of Nutritional Status of Children under-Five-Years in Rural Areas of Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh

Abstract

Background and Aim: Malnutrition and growth impairment are the common and major public health problems among children in Madhya Pradesh. Materials and Methods: Present study was conducted in different rural areas of Jabalpur district. Total 120 children of age between 0 and 5 years were evaluated. To assess malnutrition among children, anthropometric measurements, clinical examination, and dietary assessment were calculated. Data were collected through pre-designed performa. Results: Anthropometric results showed that 25.5% children were mild malnourished, 13.5% were moderately malnourished and 7.5% were severely malnourished. According to the clinical examination, 22.64% of children had clinical signs of malnutrition in various categories. Dietary assessment showed that 34.05% children were deficient in major five nutrients. Conclusion: The study revealed that the most common type of growth impairment in children among five years of age are stunting and wasting.