Epidemiologic correlates of malnutrition in rural areas of Kolar

The extent of malnutrition was determined in 252 children aged 6 months to 3 1/2 years; and its association with 16 variables grouped into four clusters was investigated: (1) home environment, (2) personal characteristics of children, (3) feeding and cultural practices of children, and (4) morbidity pattern. Least malnutrition was found in the age group 6 months to 1 year. More girls were malnourished than boys. In the case of boys, if the mother looked after the child, there was less malnutrition, while in the girls though the findings were similar, the differences were not significant. Of those boys who had a history of passing worms in their stools, a significantly larger proportion were malnourished as compared to those who did not have such a history. The overall prevalence of malnutrition as judged by weight for age was 70 per cent and by weight for actual height 84 per cent. Retardation, determined by height as a percentage of expected height was 66.4 per cent. The study illustrates the use of simple survey methods and epidemiological techniques which could be used by medical officers or public health nurses in rural areas.