European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

ASSESSMENT OF NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND PREVALENCE OF MALNUTRITION AMONG 3-5 YEAR CHILDREN IN SHOLAYOOR TRIBAL REGION

Sunil Kumar C.* and Krishnaprabha V.

ABSTRACT

Malnutrition among under five year children is a major public health problem in India. Acute childhood malnutrition affects about a tenth of the world’s children under 5 years of age, particularly those living in circumstances of extreme poverty in the developing world. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence rate of malnutrition among 3-5 years children in sholayoor tribal region of Kerala. Nutritional status was assessed using Anthropometric, Biochemical, Clinical and Dietary assessment. The dietary assessment of these children was poor when compared with Recommended Dietary Allowance and this can be achieved by changing their dietary habits. By the results of survey 2.4 per cent were found with Severe Acute Malnutrition, 21 per cent were found with Moderate Acute Malnutrition, totally 23.4 percent subjects were found with global Acute Malnutrition and 76.6 Per cent subjects were normal. 46.6 per cent were found to be normal in haemoglobin level, 34 per cent were found mild anaemic, 16.7 per cent were found to be moderate anaemic, 2.7 per cent were severely anaemic. To reduce the prevalence rates of malnutrition, Nutrition supplementation should be given to the children and nutrition education has to be given to the mothers.

Keywords: Malnutrition, Prevalence, Anaemic, Under five children.