A study on relationship between protein-energy malnutrition and other morbidities among under-five children in a rural area of Hooghly district, West Bengal

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DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v14i8.54289

Keywords:

Protein energy malnutrition; Diarrhea; Respiratory infection; Under-five children

Abstract

Background: Malnutrition affects physical growth, morbidity, and mortality of the under-five children. It is an underlying factor in many diseases for children and is particularly prevalent in developing countries, where it affects one out of every three preschool-age children.

Aims and Objectives: The aims of this study were to find out the relationship between protein-energy malnutrition and other morbidities among under-five children.

Materials and Methods: Community-based prospective longitudinal study was conducted in 1 year duration in a rural area of Hooghly District, West Bengal. By adopting sample size calculation formula 4 pq/L2, total 108 children were participated in the study. With the help of pre-design, pre-tested schedule data were collected by interviewing the care giver, by clinical and anthropometry examination of the children and by record review.

Results: Among the study population under-weight, stunted, and wasted were 52%, 37%, and 28%, respectively, whereas malnutrition by all types of classification was 61%. Episode of diarrhea, acute respiratory infections (ARI), and worm infestation were 3.50, 4.12, and 1.38/child/year, respectively. Study shows that rate of total morbidities and prevalence of malnutrition was very much interrelated.

Conclusion: Prevalence of malnutrition along with diarrhea, ARI, and worm infestations is common ailments among rural population. Special emphasis should be given for provision of health-care services and promotion and protection of optimal infant feeding practices for the improvement of nutritional as well as health status of the children.

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Published

2023-08-01

How to Cite

Tushar Kanti Saha, Eashin Gazi, & Kallol Bhandari. (2023). A study on relationship between protein-energy malnutrition and other morbidities among under-five children in a rural area of Hooghly district, West Bengal. Asian Journal of Medical Sciences, 14(8), 98–103. https://doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v14i8.54289

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Original Articles