Nutritional status and factors associated with malnutrition among under five children, baglung district, Nepal

Introduction: Child malnutrition is still as major public health problem in many parts of the world especially in developing countries like Nepal. There are numerous causes of child malnutrition among which demographic, socio-economic as well as many other factors are responsible for this condition. So this study was done to identify factors associated with malnutrition among under five children of Jaimini Municipality, Baglung. Study Groups: The study population was the children of 6-59months along with their mothers was study population. Method: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in Jaimini Municipality of Baglung district among the children of 6-59months with their mothers. The anthropometric measurement was done to assess their nutritional status with the approval of participants through informed consent. The analysis of data after data collection was proceeded thoroughly applying various statistical tests as required using statistical software (SPSS Version 20), Essential Nutritional Assessment (ENA) and Ms-Excel 2007. Result: Out of 150 children of Jaimini municipality the prevalence of malnutrition among under five children was calculated based on z-scores and it was found that 30% of the children were underweight, 29.3% were stunted and 17.3 % were wasted. The recent diarrheal cases, exclusive breastfeeding and colostrums milk were found highly significant (p<0.01) factors for underweight and wasting among these children. Conclusion: The result of this report has highlighted the necessity of long term interventions in nutritional strategies and awareness raising programs to achieve better nutritional status among under-five children.