Title : Malnutrition among under-five children, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India, 2024

Abstract:

Introduction
Malnutrition prevalence among the under-five children in Chennai, Tamilnadu state, India is higher than the state (Tamilnadu) average. The Poshan Abhiyaan program insists on growth monitoring to reduce the prevalence of malnutrition. We described malnutrition among children enrolled in the Poshan Abhiyaan program.

Methods
We did a cross-sectional study with a reference period from January to June 2024. We collected data on height and weight from the Poshan Abhiyaan Portal. We used WHO Anthro software to calculate the Z score for height-for-age, weight-for-age, and weight-for-height. We defined children as stunted (height-for-age), underweight (weight-for-age), or wasted (weight-for-height) if the Z score was below -2 standard deviation.  We calculated proportions to describe the prevalence of underweight, wasting, and stunting by age groups, gender, and place through STATA software.

Results
There were a total of 7,39,515 children enrolled under Poshan Abhiyaan in the 15 zones of Chennai. Overall, stunting prevalence ranged between 16 and 18%. Stunting was higher in 1 to 2 years (23.7%) and 2 to 3 years (22.5%). Stunting was higher in zone 15(20 to 25%). Stunting among females and males was 15.4% and 19.2% respectively. Underweight prevalence was highest between 2 to 3 years (10.6%) and lowest in 4 to 5 years (5.4%). Underweight among females and males was 6.3 and 8.5% respectively. Prevalence of wasting and underweight was 2.7 to 3.1 % and 7.2 to 7.4% respectively. The high prevalence of wasting was in the age groups 1 to 2 years (3.4%) and 2 to 3 years (3.6%). Wasting was lower below one year (2.3%) and between 4 to 5 Years (2.3%). Wasting among females and males was 2.1% and 3.3% respectively.

Conclusion
Stunting was higher in 1 to 3-year-old children and in the Zone 15. Males were more affected by undernutrition. We recommend identifying gaps in the implementation of the Poshan Abhiyaan in terms of inputs, processes, and outcome indicators.
 

Biography:

Dr. P.Velmayil, MPH 15th Cohort, in ICMR, NIE, Ayapakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, and graduated as MBBS in 2008 from DR.MGR. Medical University, Chennai. She then joined as a Medical Officer at the Primary Health Centre. She completed Life-saving Anaesthetic Skills Training from the Tertiary Care Center. After one year She worked as Chennai District Epidemiologist for 6 years. She is more interested in public health services. Now doing research and thesis about malnutrition among children.