Socio-demographic correlates of stunting among children in Port Blair, India

Abstract

Background: Stunting or low height-for-age is failure to reach linear growth potential, and is a key indicator of chronic under nutrition. The objectives of the study were to assess the status of stunting among children attending outpatient department and to evaluate the demographic profile of such children.Methods: A hospital based cross sectional study conducted over a period 6 months from August 2015 to January 2016 among children within age group of 2 to 12 years attending outpatient department of GB Pant Hospital, Port Blair. Height-for-age z-scores (HFAz) was generated using the WHO Anthro software (version 3.2.2).Results: Overall 444 students’ were included in the study which included 213 male children (48%) and 231 female children (52.0%). Out of this 21.70% children were stunted and 6.3% children were severely stunted. Among the socio demographic factors shunting and severe stunting is seen among lower/upper lower class (82.14%) followed by middle/lower middle class.Conclusions: Collective effort by government, non-government organizations is required to plan long term and short term strategies addressing the risk factors.

The Knowledge Relationship between Mothers who have Children Aged 2-5 years about Anemia toward Stunting Incidence

“…The relationship of knowledge of mothers who have children aged 2-5 years about anaemia to the incidence of stunting in Mekarbakti Village, Sumedang, West Java in 2020 -Based on table 9, there is no significant relationship between the level of knowledge of mothers about anaemia and the incidence of stunting in children aged 2-5 years. It is in line with research conducted in Indonesia which states that anaemia due to iron deficiency does not cause children's growth and development disorders 28 . However, this study is not in line with research conducted in Zimbabwe, which states a significant relationship between knowledge about anaemia and the incidence of stunting because common knowledge of anaemia causes an increase in the incidence of anaemia 29 .…”

Low Birth Weight, the Differentiating Risk Factor for Stunting among Preschool Children in India

“…A recent study in India on maternal nutritional status found women suffering from anaemia are at higher risk of poor birth outcomes, such as preterm birth and low birth weight due to weak intrauterine growth [ 26 ]. The studies have documented that half of the expectant mothers, children, and adolescent girls in India suffer from anaemia [ 39 ]. At least half of the burden of anaemia is assumed to be due to iron deficiency, and both folic acid and iron deficiency during pregnancy are important factors for preterm delivery, anaemia, low birth weight, and in turn, increased stunting among children [ 4 , 5 ].…”