Increasing Trend of Undernutrition with age among under 5 children: A Community Based Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Undernutrition remains a major public health issue among under-five children in India, particularly in rural areas. This study aimed to assess the age-wise distribution and patterns of undernutrition. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 374 under-five children in rural Varanasi. Anthropometric measurements were used to classify undernutrition as underweight, stunting, and wasting according to WHO criteria. Socio-demographic data were also collected and analyzed. Results: The overall prevalence of undernutrition was 48.4%. Stunting (39.6%) was the most common form, followed by underweight (36.1%) and wasting (21.3%). An increasing trend of stunting and underweight was observed with age, while wasting was more prevalent in younger children, especially those aged 13–36 months. Undernutrition was more common among children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and larger families. Conclusion: The findings reveal a high burden of undernutrition, with a clear age-related increase in chronic forms. Early and sustained nutritional interventions are essential, particularly during and beyond the weaning period, to reduce the long-term impact of malnutrition.