Analysis of nutritional status and factors associated with undernutrition in children aged 6-59 months in a rural area of Sri Lanka

Abstract

INTRODUCTION & OBJECTIVES: This study aims to describe the prevalence and factors associated with undernutrition among children aged 6-59 months in a selected rural area of Sri Lanka. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among randomly selected children aged 6-59 months attending well baby clinics in Dehiattakandiya Medical Officer of Health area from November2016 to January2017. Data were collected using an intervieweradministered questionnaire and weight and height were measured using calibrated equipment. Ethical clearance was obtained from the ethical committee of the Sri Lanka College of Paediatricians. Data were analyzed using logistic regression by IBM SPSS statistics 22. RESULTS: A total of 464 children were recruited; mean age was 29.3(SD±14.6) months; 53% were females. Prevalence of stunting, being underweight and wasting were 36.4%, 42.9% and 19.0% respectively. Following independently associated factors were identified: for stunting – low birth weight [OR=1.94 (95% CI 1.44-2.61), p=0.025], prolonged breast feeding beyond 2 years [OR=1.89 (95% CI 1.43-2.50), p=0.022], lower maternal educational level [OR=2.24 (95% CI 1.78-2.81), p<0.001] and paternal smoking [OR=2.30 (95% CI 1.81-2.94), p=0.001]; for being underweight – birth order>2 [OR=1.80 (95% CI 1.37-2.38), p=0.032], low birth weight [OR=2.22 (95% CI 1.64-3.00), p=0.008], prolonged breast feeding beyond 2 years [OR=1.80 (95% CI 1.36-2.38), p=0.036], lower maternal educational level [OR=2.60 (95% CI 2.06-3.27), p<0.001] and paternal smoking [OR=2.58 (95% CI 2.04-3.27), p<0.001] and alcohol use [OR=1.89 (95% CI 1.47-2.44), p=0.011]; For wasting – male sex [OR=2.11 (95% CI 1.62-2.74), p=0.005], low birth weight [OR=2.52 (95% CI 1.85-3.44), p=0.003] and paternal smoking [OR=1.85 (95% CI 1.38-2.48), p=0.35]. CONCLUSION: Low birth weight, prolonged breast feeding, lower maternal educational level and paternal smoking were significantly associated with stunting and being underweight whereas male sex, low birth weight and paternal smoking were associated with wasting in children aged 6-59 months.