Prevalence of under-nutrition and its correlates among under 3 year-old children in rural areas of Andhra Pradesh, India.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Under-nutrition continues to be a major public health problem, especially among young children in India. The present study was undertaken to assess the nutritional status of under-3 year-old children and factors associated with under-nutrition. METHOD: A community-based cross-sectional survey was carried out in 40 Anganwadi centre villages of Medak district of Andhra Pradesh, India. A total of 805 children were selected for nutritional assessment in terms of under-weight, stunting and wasting using the new WHO growth standards. Wealth index was calculated using principal components analysis. A conceptual hierarchical framework was used as a basis for controlling for the explanatory factors in multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Prevalence of under-weight, stunting and wasting was ~39%, 30% and 22%, respectively. The risk of under-weight and stunting was 1.80- and 3.02-times higher among 12-23 months and 3.13- and 5.50-times higher among 24-36 months children as compared to children under 12 months, respectively. The risk of under-weight was 2.74- and 1.73-times higher among children belonging to the lowest and middle household wealth index, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Under-nutrition is a significant public health problem among under 3 year-old children. The prevalence of under-nutrition was significantly higher among boys and those belonging to the lowest and middle wealth index. Thus, implementation of appropriate nutritional intervention strategies and improvement in household socio-economic condition may help in improving nutritional status.