Malnutrition in the Children Associated With Dietary Socio-Economic Risk Factors in the family

Background: The growth or micronutrient status of an individual is termed as Nutritional Status. Malnutrition means there is a deficiency or excess of some nutrients in the body. Aim: To find the risk factors and their association with Malnutrition. Methodology: In this Cross-Sectional Study, we recorded data from 145 subjects coming for treatment of an illness in the OPD of Shalamar Hospital, based on Weight, Height, Head Circumference and Mid Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC). Risk factor includes Parents education, income, job status, dietary risk factors including consumption of fruits, vegetables and legumes etc. Results: Out of 145 subjects, only 10(7%) had visited hospital. 103(71.7%) were male children, same in all age groups. MUAC identified that 16(11.3%) cases are Malnourished without severe Malnutrition. Median and Range of income was less in malnourished children as compared to children of normal MUAC. Malnourishment is also associated with low income and educational status of their fathers (p=0.04). Breastfeeding and nutritional intake of legumes, fruits, meat and eggs during weaning was identified to be less in malnourished cases. Differences between the 2-groups were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The 12-Cases that are identified as Malnourished were associated with the Low-Income Status of their fathers; also these cases were also linked with the poor intake of nutrients.