Abstract :
Background: The prevalence of malnutrition is a significant area of concern in many developing countries,
where it is a major public health problem.
Objective: To estimate the prevalence of malnutrition and to find out association of malnutrition with some
common variables amongst up to two years girls children.
Material and Methods: Nutritional assessment was done using anthropometry and clinical examination.
Children were weighed and measured as per the WHO guidelines on Anthropometry. Epi. Info 2002 software
package was used to calculate the Z scores and for statistical analysis.
Results: The study findings revealed that out of total 126 girls, more than half (53.2%) of the children
studied were normal. Peak prevalence of malnutrition was observed in 1-2 years of age. Majority of the
mothers of malnourished girls were illiterate (52.5%) and lower class (84.7%). More than half (52.2%) of
the children were found normal who were on exclusive breastfed up to 6 months.
Conclusions: The study found that malnourishment is linked with breast feeding practices, complementary
feeding, literacy, socio-economic status, immunization status, looks (hygiene) and knowledge of mother
about childhood illnesses, their treatment and family planning practices.
Keyword :
Breastfeeding, Girls child, Malnutrition, Nutritional assessment