MALNUTRITIONAL STATUS OF 6-59 MONTHS OLD CHILDREN OF RURAL FAMILIES IN SELECTED AREAS OF DINAJPUR DISTRICT

Abstract

The objective of the study was to asses nutritional status of children aged 6-59 months from the rural families in selected areas of Dinajpur district. Anthropometric, sociodemographic, and food related data were collected. A interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect data. The prevalence of malnutrition was assessed using three indicators, such as stunting, underweight, and wasting following the WHO guidelines and cut-off points. A total of 165 children (6-59 months) and their household of three Upazila (Kaharole, Dinajpur Sadar and Birganj) in Dinajpur district were included in this study. The prevalence rate of stunting, underweight and wasting of 6-59 months old children in Dinajpur were 38.8%, 41.3%, 12.1% respectively. The mean height of male and female children were 82.99 cm and 84.15 cm. The mean weight of male and female children were 10.97 kg and 10.78 kg. Female children were more susceptible to malnutrition than male children. The major factors associated with stunting and wasting children were religion, monthly income of family, parent education, criteria of child daily activity and the consumption of egg, cow milk, citrus fruits, leafy vegetables, other vegetables, rice, pulses.