Research Journal of Medical Sciences
ISSN: Online 1993-6095ISSN: Print 1815-9346
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Nutritional Status and Morbidity Profile of Primary School Children in an Urban Setting: A Cross‐Sectional Study in Malwani, Mumbai
Vikas Tukaram Makar, Rupal Dilip Girase, Sagar Vasudeo Dole and Sushant S. Chavan
Page: 108-112 | Received 15 Jul 2024, Published online: 04 Sep 2024
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Abstract
Childhood malnutrition, including underweight, stunting and wasting, remains a critical public health issue in India, impacting the growth and development of primary school children. Despite the implementation of nutritional programs like the Mid‐Day Meal Scheme, malnutrition persists. This study aims to determine the morbidity profile and assess the prevalence of underweight, stunting and wasting among primary school children in an urban setting in Malwani, Mumbai. A cross‐sectional descriptive study was conducted over two years in the urban field practice area of a tertiary care hospital in Malwani, Mumbai. The study included 400 primary school children aged 6‐10 years from four municipal schools. Convenient sampling through complete enumeration was used. Data collection involved anthropometric measurements and health assessments to identify nutritional status and morbidity profiles. Statistical analyses were performed to examine the relationship between nutritional status and health outcomes. Among the 400 children, 21.75% were underweight, 25.25% were stunted and 18.25% were wasting, while 34.75% had normal nutritional status. The morbidity profile revealed that anemia was the most prevalent condition (22.75%), followed by dental caries (19.75%), respiratory infections (17.75%), skin infections (15.75%) and gastrointestinal infections (13%). Significant differences in anthropometric measurements were observed between underweight and normal weight children across various health conditions, indicating that malnutrition exacerbates health issues. The study highlights a significant burden of undernutrition and associated morbidities among primary school children in Malwani, Mumbai. These findings underscore the need for enhanced nutritional support and health interventions in primary schools. Strengthening existing programs like the Mid‐Day Meal Scheme and implementing regular health screenings could improve the nutritional and health status of this vulnerable population.
How to cite this article:
Vikas Tukaram Makar, Rupal Dilip Girase, Sagar Vasudeo Dole and Sushant S. Chavan. Nutritional Status and Morbidity Profile of Primary School Children in an Urban Setting: A Cross‐Sectional Study in Malwani, Mumbai.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/10.36478/makrjms.2024.10.108.112
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1815-9346/10.36478/makrjms.2024.10.108.112