Journal of Nutrition & Food Sciences
Open Access
ISSN: 2155-9600
+32 25889658
ISSN: 2155-9600
+32 25889658
Arifa Sifat
Institute of Food and Nutrtion Science, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Nutr Food Sci
Pakistan is one of the countries where children suffer from malnutrition and stunting, wasting and weight gain are common among children. A narrative review is planned to examine published research on child malnutrition, factors associated with malnutrition, gender discrimination in nutrition and related outcomes. This research is based on data related to child deprivation in Pakistan. A total of 12 articles in the previous five years were reviewed to assess the existing nutritional status in Pakistan. In most studies, the World Health Organization z-score was used to assess shock and futility. The majority of studies have a cross-sectional design. Other studies from South Asian countries were also used to compare and determine whether the prevalence of child malnutrition and the factors associated with malnutrition are the same as in Pakistan. It is concluded that maternal health and parenting are the most important factors in increasing the likelihood of child malnutrition. There is no gender difference in child infertility. The economic status and financial status of the family play an important role in the lack of children. Globally, malnutrition accounts for at least half of all childhood deaths. Management of malnutrition in the community includes identifying malnutrition using valid universal screening tools and implementing appropriate interventions according to the level of adequate nutrition. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of malnutrition in children under five years of age in Thatta and Sujawal districts of Sindh province, Pakistan. Method : The case study was conducted between May and August 2014. A total of 3,964 children under the age of five were enrolled in the study. World Health Organization growth standards, height Z-score (HAZ), weight Z-score (WHZ), and weight Z-score (WAZ) are used to measure stunting, wasting, and weight. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socioeconomic status, family size, maternal care, parity and child morbidity. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for malnutrition. The results of our research revealed that malnutrition is prevalent among children under the age of five. Amelioration of malnutrition in the study area and country should be targeted with sanitation practices based on food/nutrition and household wealth. Keywords: Child health, malnutrition, maternal health, developmental disorders.