The Prevalence of Undernutrition and Associated Factors among Children Aged One to Five Years in Siyambalanduwa MOH Area

Aim: High prevalence of child undernutrition is a well-known issue in rural areas of Si Lanka. Identification of real burden, underlying specific causes and addressing those issues will help to improve the nutritional status of those children. Objective: To describe the prevalence of undernutrition and associated factors among children aged one to five years in Siyambalanduwa MOH area. Methodology: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 421 child-mother pairs in Siyambalanduwa MOH area using two stage cluster sampling method. Data collection done by using pre tested interviewer administered questionnaire. Relevant anthropometric measurements were done according to WHO slandered guidelines. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 20. The chi-square test was used, and P<0.05 was considered for statistically significant. Results: Overall 41% of children aged 1-5 years were undernourished in Siyambalanduwa MOH area. Among the study subjects 24% were underweight, 25.7% were stunted, 16.4% were wasted, 9.2% were both underweight & stunted, 6.8% were both, underweight & wasted, 0.5% were both stunted & wasted and 9.9% were underweight & stunted g & wasted. Only the low total monthly income (P<0.001) and low birth weight (P<0.001) were significantly associated with child undernutrition. Conclusions and recommendations: Prevalence of undernutrition among children aged 1-5 years is unacceptably high and urgent efforts to reduce undernutrition should be a priority. Future studies should focus on assessing how to reduce the burden of undernutrition with low cost interventions.