NUTRITIONAL STATUS IN CHILDREN (1 – 5 YRS) – A RURAL STUDY

Abstract

Research question: What is the prevalence of protein energy malnutrition (PEM) in 1 – 5 yrs of age and factors associated with it. Objective: 1. To assess prevalence of protein energy malnutrition in children 1 – 5 yrs of age. 2. To identify the socio-economic and cultural factor associated with protein energy malnutrition Setting: Rural Health Training Centre, Jawan, Department of Community Medicine, J N Medical College, Aligarh. Study design: Cross-sectional study Study variable: Nutritional status, sex, family size, caste, social class, literacy status of parents. Statistical analysis: Chi-square (÷²) test of significance Result: Overall prevalence of PEM was 56.4% in study population, with higher prevalence in female (58.6%) as compared to males (54.2%). Significant relationship was seen between PEM and sex, social class, caste, literacy status of parents and mother.