EPIDEMIOLOGY OF UNDER - NUTRITION IN CHILDREN BETWEEN 0-5 YEARS FROM RURAL AREAS OF DEHRADUN

Abstract

Background: Under nutrition is a major problem in India. This is a study conducted in rural catchment areas of Department of Community Medicine, SGRRMC, Dehradun to asses the same. Objectives: To find out prevalence of under nutrition in children in the age group of 0-5 years and also to study its epidemiological correlates. Methods :All registered children of RHTC Mothrowala during October to December2009 were studied. Detailed histories were taken & growth chartingwas done using growth charts provided by government a/India (as recommended by Indian Academy ofPediatricians,). Results:41.2% children sufjèredfrom under nutrition. Under nutrition was significantly correlated with age, socio-economic status, nuclear families, motherr education humanization & fèeding practices. Conclusions : Solution to the problem lies in economic uplfiinent, womens education, good health services and preservation of joint family system.