Prevalence and correlates of undernutrition in children of 6-60 months of the age living in urban slums of Mumbai, India: a cross-sectional study

Pankaj Kumar; R. Kembhavi; Prahatheeswaran G.

doi:10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20242568

Authors

Pankaj Kumar Department of Community Medicine, Seth G. S. Medical College and KEM Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
R. Kembhavi Department of Community Medicine, Seth G. S. Medical College and KEM Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Prahatheeswaran G. Department of Community Medicine, Seth G. S. Medical College and KEM Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20242568

Keywords:

Children of 6-60 months of the age, Mumbai, Undernutrition, Urban slum

Abstract

Background: In urban slums, several socio-demographic factors contribute for the occurrence of undernutrition in children, this study aimed at assessment of prevalence and correlates of undernutrition in children of 6-60 months of the age in an urban slum of Mumbai and to study associated factors.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in urban slum which is a field practice area of institution. Children of 6-60 months of the age were included in the study. Data was analysed with SPSS v.22.0 with suitable tests.

Results: Prevalence of undernutrition was found 50.6%, more per cent of undernutrition was found in 25-60 months age 100 (54.1%), 90 (53.3%) girls, 132 (51%) nuclear family dwellers, in 9 (56.3.3%) and 39 (50.0%) children defecation practices in anywhere and open within compound. About 75 (72.1%) children whose mother not practiced hand washing before eating/handling food, 90 (63.8%) children whose mother not practiced hand washing with soap and water after defecation, 20 (80.0%) children whose mother’s hands appeared were unclean and 106 (94.6%) children who intake of daily energy requirement were inadequate, 139 (72.4%) children who intake of daily protein requirement were inadequate. 88 (71.5%) children with undernutrition belonged to class IV, (B. G. Prasad classification) and it was statistically significant association of undernutrition.

Conclusions: Mumbai’s urban slums continue showing a higher prevalence of undernutrition, and is significantly influenced by inadequate intake of daily requirement of protein, unclean water, poor sanitation and hygiene, and with the improvement in these socio-demographic factors, enhancement in the nutritional state of the child is expected.

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