Status and Determinants of Child Undernutrition in Kangra District Sub-Himalayan Himachal Pradesh, India

Abstract

Background: Higher than national average of wasting rate in children under five years in the Himachal Pradesh state despite unusually high level of women’s education and coverage of maternal-child health services was an enigma. Assessing and understanding the determinants of undernutrition in the first 1000 days of life was considered essential for appropriate policy direction. Methodology: A nutrition survey, using both the quantitative and qualitative methods (limited to ICDS, health providers, panchayat leaders and spouses) was undertaken. Results: Despite 95 % of 949 women surveyed having completed school education, 34.4% weighed <45 kg and 7.4% had height <145 cms while 21.4% births were LBW. Undernutrition was noted to be set as early as before6 months with - 44.2% children underweight, 38.6% stunted, and 21.4% wasted. Poor maternal, infant, and young child feeding (MIYCF) practices were the key contributory factors. Conclusion: Survey presents evidence to direct attention to strengthen MIYCF practices in the critical first 1,000 days of life, including ensuring establishing ‘effective’ techniques for exclusive breastfeeding practices in infants under 6 months.