Assessment of under nutrition among under 5 tribal children in a rural area in West Bengal

Tribal population is socio economically disadvantaged group. Knowledge about nutritional status of various tribal populations is important because it impels to identify under nutrition which is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. This study is conducted to assess under nutrition among under 5 tribal children. In this cross sectional study with a sample of 68 under 5 tribal children selected through complete enumeration fulfilling the inclusion criteria after obtaining ethical clearance from Institutional Ethics Committee. Anthropometric measurements were recorded to determine types of under nutrition prevailing among them using World Health Organization Anthro software. 24 h recall of dietary history of children was taken for 7 days to assess mean energy, protein, and fat intake per day and compared with recommended daily allowances. A total of 30.8% children were stunted, 30.8% were wasted, and 14.7% were both stunted and wasted. The consumption of energy, protein, and fat was much low. Chi square test showed a significant association of under nutrition with gender, education of father, type of family, socio economic status, and birth order but binary logistic regression showed significant association only with socioeconomic status. Under nutrition in form of stunting and wasting and low dietary intake of energy, protein, fat was found among these children. Multi sectoral approach is suggested.