Srinivas Chakravarthy Bhimisetti1, Kiran Pamarthi2, Srinivas P. J3
BACKGROUND: Malnutrition is the most widespread condition affecting the health of children. Children constitute a large and “vulnerable” or special risk group, as 50% of all deaths were occurring during the first 5 years of life in the developing world.48%, 43%, and 20% of children under 5 years of age stunted, underweight, and wasted, respectively. The proportion of children who are severely undernourished is also notable-24%, severely stunted and 16%, severely underweight. AIM: To assess the nutritional status of under 5 children residing in the tribal areas of Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh and to identify the factors influencing their nutritional status.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A community based cross- sectional study was conducted in tribal areas of Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh during 2014-15. A total of 236 under 5 children were studied from the three selected villages. Data was collected through a semi structured questionnaire. Anthropometry measurements like height/length and weight were measured. Waterlow’s classification was used to grade stunting and wasting. Gomez classification was used to grade underweight for age. Every effort was made to get high order of accuracy in measurements. The data were compiled and statistical analysis was done using percentage and chi-square test.
RESULTS: Out of the 236 children, 122(51.7%) were boys and 114(48.3%) were girls. Overall prevalence of underweight, stunting, and wasting was found to be 60.2%, 27.1%, and 31.3%, respectively. Severe underweight, stunting, and wasting was found in 12.7%, 2.5%, and 9.3%, respectively. Girls were found to be undernourished than boys for all forms i.e., stunting, wasting and underweight.
CONCLUSION: The under nutrition rates reported in this study is still high which may have significant negative impact on health, education and productivity of the children. The problem of under nutrition amongst tribal children needs to be addressed through comprehensive preventive, promotive and curative measures. Appropriate nutritional programmes should be designed to meet the requirements.
