Unveiling Childhood Health: A Rural Cross-Sectional Study of Nutritional Status among Under-Five Children in...

Malnutrition has emerged as a significant global concern, exacerbated by modernization and the pervasive influence of Western culture. Poor dietary habits and lifestyle shifts have rendered populations, particularly children, more vulnerable to both undernutrition and overnutrition. Alterations in dietary patterns among children under 5 years have contributed to a rise in the prevalence of noncommunicable diseases in adulthood, including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and coronary heart disease. This research aims to assess the prevalence and determinants of malnutrition among children aged 6-59 months in the rural areas of Chengalpattu district.

A cross-sectional study was carried out on 420 children aged 6-59 months in the rural village of Chengalpattu. Multistage random sampling was employed to select participants, and data were collected using a pre-tested, validated semi-structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, and Chi-square tests were performed to assess the associations. The univariate analysis was followed by a multivariate logistic regression to identify significant predictors.

Overall rate of malnutrition was 46.2%, with 30.2% stunted, 21% wasted, and 24.3% underweight. Malnutrition was statistically significant with gender, low socioeconomic status, breastfeeding initiation after 1 hour of birth, Integrated Child Development Services beneficiary, mode of delivery, birth order, and parental educational status of the children.

The study results indicate that undernutrition remains a significant health concern among children under 5 years of age. Addressing issues such as low living standards, hunger, malnutrition, illiteracy, inadequate antenatal care, and poor sanitary and housing facilities is crucial. Effectively implementing existing policies and initiatives aimed at improving these conditions is essential.