Original Research Article
Year: 2019 | Month: June | Volume: 9 | Issue: 6 | Pages: 1-8
Determinants of Acute Malnutrition among Under Five Children in Aravalli District of Gujarat, India: A Community-Based Case-Control Study
Ritu Rana1, Gauri Vaze2, Parlin Christian2, Paridhi Gupta2
1Assistant Professor, 2Research Assistant,
Indian Institute of Public Health Gandhinagar (IIPHG), Nr. Lekawada Bus Stop, Gandhinagar - Chiloda Road, Lekawada CRPF P.O, Gandhinagar- 382042.
Corresponding Author: Ritu Rana
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Children with acute malnutrition or wasting have a higher risk of mortality and morbidity compared to healthy children. Wasting is widespread in India, and Gujarat state is one of the highly prevalent states. Understanding local risk factors is crucial for early identification and timely management of acute malnutrition. This study aims to identify the potential risk factors of wasting among under five (U5) children in one of the high burden districts of Gujarat.
Methods: This community-based case-control study was conducted from January to October 2017 in Aravalli district. Cases were defined as children with weight-for-height z score (WHZ)≤2SD, while controls were WHZ >2SD based on WHO standards. Sociodemographic characteristics, maternal characteristics, child characteristics, feeding practices, sanitation and hygiene practices, and household food security were exposure variables. Crude odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals were calculated.
Results: A total of 132 children, 66 cases and 66 controls were enrolled. Risk factors associated with wasting were: difficulty in breathing (COR 8.89, 95% CI: 1.08-73.86), cold (COR 2.36, 95% CI: 1.12-4.97), fever (COR 3.25, 95% CI: 1.39-7.56), unavailability of hand washing place (COR 2.7, 95% CI: 1.30-5.60), unavailability of toilet (COR 2.93, 95% CI: 1.39-6.17), open disposal of child stools (COR 3.52, 95% CI: 1.61-7.69) and household food insecurity (COR 2.37, 95% CI: 0.96-5.86).
Conclusion: Present study identified childhood illness, inadequate WASH practices, and household food insecurity as significant contributory factors of wasting in U5 children in Aravalli district.
Key words: wasting, acute malnutrition, under-five children, determinants