Factors affecting nutritional status of children below 24 months in Pekan district, Pahang, Malaysia

Masroor , Nagis and Ab Rahman, Jamalludin and Tin, Myo Han and Khattak, Muhammad Muzaffar Ali Khan and Aye , Aye (2014) Factors affecting nutritional status of children below 24 months in Pekan district, Pahang, Malaysia. Malaysian Journal of Nutrition, 20 (2). pp. 197-207. ISSN 1394-035X

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Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to assess the nutritional status of children below 24 months in the district of Pekan, Pahang, and identify the contributing factors. Methods: Using a cross-sectional methodology, a total of 910 children was selected by random sampling from four public health clinics. Anthropometric measurements were taken and weight-for-age, height-for-age, and weight-forheight were calculated in Z scores. Immediate caregivers of children were interviewed by using a pretested validated questionnaire to assess their socioeconomic,demographic, educational and occupational status. Results: Of the 910 children who participated in the study, the majority were Malay (70.1%),while the remaining comprised indigenous or Orang-Asli (OA) children. Prevalence of wasting, stunting and underweight were 28.7 %, 15.6 % and 19.0% respectively. There were more underweight males than females. Wasting was most common among children aged below 6 months. Stunting was more prevalent in children between 12 to 24 months. Obesity was seen in 7.3% of the sample. Maternal education, employment and socio-economic status had a significant influence on wasting and underweight. Children were vulnerable to stunting as age advanced, whereas prevalence of wasting tended to decrease. Conclusion: Malnutrition exists in significant proportions among children below 24 months in the Pekan district. This study identified low birth weight along with age, race, gender, large family size and socio-economic status as important risk factors of malnutrition.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Additional Information:	3297/40622
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Anthropometry, childhood malnutrition, maternal education, social status
Subjects:	R Medicine > RJ Pediatrics > RJ101 Child Heatlh. Child health services. Preventive health services for children
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Medicine
Depositing User:	Dr Tin Myo Han
Date Deposited:	13 Jan 2015 15:14
Last Modified:	10 Mar 2016 10:13
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/40622

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