Prevalence and Determinants of Children Underweight in India
Authors/Creators
- 1. Ph.D. Scholar, P.G Department of Population Studies Fakir Mohan University, Balasore, Odisha
Contributors
Researcher:
- 1. Ph.D. Scholar, P.G Department of Population Studies Fakir Mohan University, Balasore, Odisha.
Description
Abstract
Introduction: In the era of globalization and economic growth, still a significant proportion of children are deprived of getting adequate food. Therefore, child malnutrition is high worldwide. In case of India all forms of malnutrition are high i.e., stunting, wasting, underweight and, anaemia.
Objective: This study aims to assess the prevalence of child underweight and socio-economic determinants of children underweight.
Methods and materials: Present study used fifth round of National Family Health Survey (2019 -21) data. Simple percentage, bivariate analysis, adjusted and unadjusted odds ratio are used for the data analysis purpose.
Results: The prevalence of child underweight in India is around 33%. The highest child under-weight is prevailing in the states of Bihar, Gujarat and Jharkhand. Few north-eastern states show better progress in child under-weight with respect to other parts of India. Prevalence of underweight varies by various demographic and socio-economic background characteristics. Here it is found that, with increasing age of the new-born underweight is increasing. There is marginal difference in gender disparity of under-weight prevalence (33.47% -Male Vs 31.78% -Female). In case of place of residence, the under-weight prevalence is high in rural areas as compared to urban area. Under weight is more prominent among child belonging to scheduled tribe (40%) followed by scheduled caste, other backward class and other caste respectively. More percentage of children belonging to Muslim religion are prone to underweight as compared to children belonging to other religion. Education of the mother and her wealth status are important determinants which are influencing children underweight.
Conclusion: Prevalence of child underweight is high (33%) in India and Bihar stands in first position. Further education level of mother, age of children, birth order, age of the mothers at first child, wealth index and caste are the main controlling factor for underweight among children. However, the most prominent factors are education level of mothers and wealth index for child under-weight.