European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Background: Malnutrition is the one of the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children of under-five in developing countries. Globally combating malnutrition in all its forms is one of the greatest public health challenges. Hence the present study was undertaken in anganwadi of urban and rural ICDS projects in Karimnagar to explore the morbidity pattern of under-five children covered under the ICDS project.
Material and Methods : A community based cross-sectional study was undertaken in the rural and urban anganwadi centers of Karimnagar ICDS projects during a period of one year from March-2013 to February-2014. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the data, it was analyzed and valid inferences were drawn. Chi square test was used to test the significance. Results: The present study found that the undernutrition (28.2%) is the most common morbidity seen in children, followed by acute respiratory infections (8.87%), Worm infestations (8.06%), anemia (8.06%) and diarrhea (5.64%). The other morbidities are Viral fever (4.84%), Scabies (3.22%), Boils (2.42%), Vitamin A deficiency (1.61%), Injuries (1.61%) and UTI (0.8%).
Conclusion: The present study revealed that the morbidities like undernutrition, respiratory diseases and various vitamin deficiencies among under-five children were very common. Further studies are required to assess the knowledge, attitude and perceptions of parents towards malnutrition. A widespread health and nutrition awareness campaign is desired in the study area to prevent and reduce the burden of morbidities and malnutrition.