European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Malnutrition is the major health burden in developing countries. Protein energy malnutrition is the underlying cause for child morbidity and mortality.  Under-nutrition continues to be a major public health problem in developing countries and various factors are involved in determining the nutritional status of the children. Objectives of this study was to assess the prevalence of protein energy malnutrition (PEM) among children (1-5 years) . 150 Children of age group 1 to 5 years, both male and female were included in study. Nutritional status of the children in less than five years were expressed by weight for age. Weight for age classification of Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) and GOMEZ was calculated. 38.66 % children were normal. 25.33% had Grade 3 malnutrition. 26.66 % had Grade 2 malnutrition,9.33% had Grade 1 malnutrition. PEM is a critical problem with many determinants playing a role in causing this vicious cycle of undernutrition.