A Cross-Sectional Study to Assess the Prevalence of Malnutrition and Risk Factors Associated with Malnutrition among Under-Five Children (18 Months-5 Years) in the Selected Urban Areas of Vellore Town

Dhritee Das, Rajeshwari Siva, Dr. Jasmin Prasad

Abstract: Objective: The study aimed to assess the prevalence of malnutrition among under-five children (18 months-5 years) in the selected urban areas of Vellore town and to determine the association between risk factors that are associated with malnutrition among under-five children and the clinical variables. Methodology: A cross-sectional study design with quantitative research approach was conducted for period of six weeks. Multi-stage sampling technique was used and samples included were the children and their mothers who fulfilled the inclusion criteria and totally 170 children were selected. Questionnaire prepared by the investigator was used for the study. Frequency and percentage were used for descriptive statistics; Chi-square test was used to find the association between risk factors of malnutrition and the clinical variables. Results: Findings showed that out of 170 children, 21.17% children were under-weight, 53.5% children were stunted and 7.7% children were wasted. The study showed statistically significant association between children who were not given colostrum after birth and children being under-weight. Birth weight had statistically significant association with stunting. No significant association was found between the risk factors and wasting. Conclusion: The findings voice that it is very important that routine nutritional screening is conducted by nurses during home visits in the community to identify the prevalence and risk-factors associated with malnutrition.

Keywords: Under-five children, prevalence, risk factors associated with malnutrition

How to Cite?: Dhritee Das, Rajeshwari Siva, Dr. Jasmin Prasad, "A Cross-Sectional Study to Assess the Prevalence of Malnutrition and Risk Factors Associated with Malnutrition among Under-Five Children (18 Months-5 Years) in the Selected Urban Areas of Vellore Town", Volume 14 Issue 9, September 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 338-342, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR25908192251, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR25908192251