Prevalence of risk factors of primary 3rd degree malnutrition in children under 5 years of age; admitted in Services Hospital, Lahore

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of risk factors of primary 3rd degree malnutrition in children under 5 years of age. Design: Hospital based descriptive study. Place & duration of study: Department of Pediatrics, SIMS/Services Hospital, Lahore, from July 2005 to December 2005. Materials and methods: A total of 200 children were included in study, from 2 months to 5 years of age. All had 3rd degree malnutrition according to modified Gomez Classification. Risk factors included were; Fresh (Cow) milk feeding, mixed feeding, delayed weaning, more than 2 children under 5, large family size (>5 children), partial vaccination, no vaccination, working mother, un-employed factors, twin delivery. Results: Risk factors identified were as follows: Mixed feeding 85.5% (n=171), more than 2 children under 5 was 84.5% (n=169), delayed weaning 74% (n=148), only fresh milk 70% (n=140), large family size (>5 children) 69% (n=138), partial vaccination 66.5% (n=133), working mother 24% (n=48), unemployed father 13.5% (n=27) and twin deliveries 3.5% (n=7). Conclusion: Most of the risk factors are preventable just by counseling and motivation o f parents. Malnutrition can be avoided without causing financial burden on family.