Assessing the Nutritional Status of Children aged 1-5 years in a Rural Area in Bihar, India, Using WHO Growth Standards

Abstract

Background: Undernutrition remains a major public health concern in developing countries, contributing significantly to childhood morbidity and mortality. In India, particularly in rural settings such as Bihar, the burden of undernutrition continues to impede child growth and development. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of undernutrition and its association with selected socio-demographic factors among children aged 1–5 years in a rural area of Bihar. Methods: A community-based, cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in a rural village of Patna district, Bihar. The study included 150 children aged between 1 and 5 years. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered through household surveys. Anthropometric measurements were recorded following WHO standard guidelines. Nutritional status was categorized based on weight-for-age (underweight), height-for-age (stunting), and weight-for-height (wasting). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 23.0. Results: The study revealed a high prevalence of stunting (67.33%) and underweight (30.66%) among the participants. Severe stunting was observed in 58% of children, while 22% were moderately underweight. A higher likelihood of undernutrition was found among children with low birth weight and those born as the third child or later. Children of higher birth orders (≥3) had increased odds of being underweight, stunted, and wasted compared to those with first or second birth orders. Conclusion: Undernutrition remains a critical challenge among preschool-aged children in rural Bihar, with stunting being the most prevalent form. Targeted interventions to improve child feeding practices, maternal education, and awareness regarding early childhood nutrition are essential to mitigate the burden of undernutrition and improve child health outcomes in rural communities.