Anthropometric Dimensions on Nutritional Grade among School Children

Abstract

Background and objectives: The child under nutrition is highly prevalent in low income and middle-income countries resulting in substantial increases in mortality and overall disease burden. Therefore, the present study was designed to evaluate anthropometric dimensions on nutritional grade among school children at urban area of Dhanusha District, Nepal. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional observational survey was done in 135 school children of aged 4-15years. A semi structured questionnaire was used to collect data through face to face interview. Height, weight were measured in the metric system using standardized technique and BMI was also calculated comparing with the WHO standard. Data were analyzed using SPSS 18 version and Microsoft Excels 2007. The p-value was considered statistically significant at <0.05. Results: The prevalence of underweight, wasting and stunting was 7.40%, 52.59% and 28.88% respectively. The highest number of boys were in underweight than girls in 7-9years age and was statistically insignificant (p=0.451). Most of the boys were wasted than girls in 10-12years with 47.88% followed by 13-15years of 21.12% and was statistically insignificant (p=0.213). The highest number of respondents were stunting in 10-12years age of 48.71% followed by 13- 15years age with 30.76% and was statistically insignificant(p=0.367). Conclusion: The prevalence of underweight was low, wasting was high and stunting was moderate among school children when compared with WHO standard. Government should introduce awareness programs through community participation, involvement of NGOs and other sectors affording nutritious foods.