Determinants of malnutrition among children

Malnutrition has become an urgent global health issue, with under nutrition killing or disabling millions of children each year. Malnutrition also prevents millions more from reaching their full intellectual and productive potential. In children, severe malnutrition accounts for approximately 1 million deaths annually (Trehan, I et al, 2013). Malnutrition causes children to be more susceptible to illness, and results in long-term effects on children’s development and health. The objectives of this study are to understand the indicators of malnutrition among children and to examine the determinants of malnutrition among children. It has been observed that child’s environment, nutrition and parental care are factors influencing the growth and development of children. Adequate maternal nutrition, health and physical status are crucial to prevent child under nutrition. Stunting and other forms of under nutrition are major contributing factors to child mortality, disease and disability. It becomes necessary to encourage children to eat variety of foods like fish, meat, eggs, beans, soya, plenty of vegetables and fruits every day.