Published on July 2017 | Child Nutrition

Determinants of Malnutrition (Stunting) Among Rural Farming Households: Evidences from Rural Areas of District Doda, Jammu & Kashmir

Background: The nutritional status of school-going children is an indicator of a country's health status. Malnutrition especially child under nutrition is a major health problem affecting the development of the children in many developing countries of the world. It continues to be the principal cause of ill-health and pre-mature mortality and morbidity among children. Objectives: To assess the nutritional status and its determinants among 6-14 years old school going children of farming households in district Doda of Jammu and Kashmir, India. Methods: The present study was conducted in district Doda of Jammu & Kashmir to assess the nutritional status of 182 school going children (6-14 years) among farming households. Nutritional status of the children was assessed in terms of anthropometric measurement. Height for age (HAZ) of the sample subjects were calculated and compared with WHO-2007 reference standard. Data were entered and analyzed using statistical software epi info 7 and Anthro Plus. Results: Results indicate that out of the total children screened (N=182), 27.37 percent of male and 27.59 percent of female children were stunted. The main determinants of malnutrition were found to be child's age, religion, castes, parents‟ education mother‟s diet during pregnancy, economic status of the family, nature of house and availability of drinking water and toilet facilities at home. Conclusion: There is a great need to focus the attention of the policy-makers for intervening in such areas, as nutritional status of children is a main indicator of development and a pre-condition for the society to progress.