Urban slum children in Lucknow: Exploring nutritional status and complementary feeding practices

Abstract

The world health organization (WHO) (2010) defines malnutrition as deficiencies, excesses, or imbalances in nutrients. This global health concern holds significant implications, with approximately one-third of deaths among children under the age of five being directly or indirectly linked to undernutrition. Malnutrition not only hinders immediate growth but also engenders a heightened vulnerability to a spectrum of metabolic ailments in adulthood.
Objectives: 1. To assess the nutritional status of children in urban slums of Lucknow. 2. To assess the knowledge of caregivers regarding complementary feeding practices. 3. To examine the relationship between demographic variables and the nutritional status of children in the urban slums of Lucknow.
Methodology: A survey method was employed, involving interviews with caregivers using self-structured questionnaires to gather data on demographic information, nutritional status assessment, and knowledge regarding complementary feeding practices. The sample consisted of 400 mothers and their children selected purposively from various urban slum areas in Lucknow. Data collected was meticulously recorded in a Microsoft Excel sheet and analyzed using SPSS for statistical interpretation.
Result: Regarding the results, only 32.3% of mothers initiated complementary feeding at six months, indicating inadequate awareness. Similarly, 27.3% exhibited high complementary feeding knowledge, signifying the need for improved education. Nutritional assessments revealed concerning levels of moderate (23.8%), severe (15.3%), and very severe malnutrition (12.5%) among children, demanding urgent interventions and healthcare measures. The study’s associations between maternal factors and nutritional status provided valuable insights into the complex interplay affecting child health, reinforcing the need for targeted nutritional programs and community-based interventions to address malnutrition effectively.