Socio-economic Predisposing Factors of Malnutrition among School Going Children in Bareilly District of North India: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Malnutrition remains the ever challenging, public health concern irrespective of age and economic status. Although nutrition is essential irrespective of age but it has peerless role in the school days. The present study was conducted to assess the socio-economic predisposing factors of malnutrition among school children in the Bareilly district of North India. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in Bareilly district of North India. A total of 465 school children were examined for nutritional status and socio-economic factors responsible for malnutrition. Applying multi-stage random sampling technique and pretested, pre-validated schedule was used for data collection which was compiled and analysed with Epi-Info software version 7. Results: The study revealed 40% prevalence of malnutrition among school children. Socio- demographic factors such as gender, caste, type of family and residence were found statistically significant different with nutritional status of child (p<0.05).  However, socio economic factors such as parental education, employment and socio economic conditions were discovered inversely related with malnutrition (p<0.05). Conclusion: The study indicates the necessity to accelerate the government’s coping strategies to win over malnutrition in especially in underserved population of country.