NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF PRESCHOOL CHILDREN IN URBAN SLUM OF KARACHI, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Background: Malnutrition which contributes to a very high number of child deaths is never a direct cause of death. Households barely fulfilling its daily need are unable to afford quality nutrition and nutritional compromise has become the priority to compensate for other burdens of life. Younger age group is most susceptible because of the dependency on their elder. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of malnutrition among children under 5 year of age. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 132 households was conducted in urban slums of Karachi Pakistan. In order to reduce the likelihood of missing any affected children, a pre-designed questionnaire and a variety of anthropometric methods for identifying malnutrition were used. Results: The results of the study showed malnutrition in 38% children according to MUAC and 22% children were found to have a BMI below 5 th percentile. Zscores were calculated using WHO anthro software and height for age (stunting) and weight for height (wasting) among children were found to be 49% and 23.5% respectively Conclusion:  Malnutrition is a public health issue in slums. The majority of preschool under 5 age children in our study were malnourished. It is recommended to implement skills-based nutrition education, food fortification, effective infection control, public healthcare worker training, and integrated program delivery.