Prevalence of protein energy malnutrition among underfive children Ambica C.1,*, Bhudia Viruben H2, Maheshwari shashikala J3, Raval Kiran A4 1Ph. D Scholar, MAHER, Chennai 2Reasearch Guide, Professor of Nursing, Visiting Faculty, BMCB College of Nursing, Lakhond, Bhuj-Kutch, Gujarat 3Researcg Co-Guide, HOD cum Associate Professor of Food and Nutrition Department, Tolani Institute of Arts and Science, Adipur, Kutch 4Researcg Co-Guide, Associate Professor of food and Nutrition Department, Tolani Institute of Arts and Science, Adipur, Kutch *Corresponding author: Ambica C BMCB College of Nursing, Citi square township Lakhond, Bhuj-Kutch, 370105 9687404164, ambicamanimaran@gmail.com
Online published on 1 November, 2018. Abstract Objectives To determine the prevalence of PEM among under five children residing at rural areas of Kutch-Gujarat. Method A pilot study conducted among underfive children. Totally 73 were registered and assess to determine the prevalence. In vivo-Bio physiological measuring instructs used for assessment. Measured values are applied on WHo Anthro v.3.22 software to identify the PEM children and Results 73 underfive children (50.6%) 34 were identified as a moderate PEM. 37 children were healthy. 2(2.7%) were severe PEM. As per WHO classification z scores based on height for age 45.2% (33) children are Normal height for age, 52.1%(38) children were stunted (<-2SD) and 2.7%(2) were severely stunted (<-3SD). Based on weight for age 50.6% (37) were healthy, 46.6% (34) were underweight (<-2SD) and 2.7% (2) severe underweight (<-3SD). As per weight for height 47.9% (35) were healthy, 49.3% (36) were wasted (<-2SD) and 2.7% (2) were severely wasted (<-2SD). There was a significant association between the prevalence and demographic variables such as education, Type of family, family monthly income and dietary pattern. There was no significant association between the prevalence and demographic variables such as age, occupation, number of under five children in the family and sources of health information. Conclusion The higher prevalence of PEM was found among under five children in rural areas of Kutch. Top Keywords Prevalence, Protein Energy Malnutrition, Under five children, Rural area. Top |