Prevalence and determinants of undernutrition in Urban slums of Belagavi: A cross-sectional study among young children

DESHNA Gajendra OSWAL^1*Mubashir Angolkar²Niranjana Mahantashetti²Mayank Singh¹Shivani Haritay¹Madan Godbole¹

• ¹KLE University, Belgaum, India
• ²Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Belgaum, Belgaum, Karnataka, India

Introduction: Rapid urbanization in Low-and Middle-Income Countries has led to expansion of slums, where children face a heightened risk of undernutrition. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of undernutrition and its determinants among children residing in urban slums of Belagavi, Karnataka.Methods: Children of age 9-36 months from urban slums were assessed for anthropometric measurements, clinical signs, demographic information, and dietary history. Chi-square test, bivariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression were used to identify the risk factors at child, maternal and household levels with undernutrition.The prevalence of stunting, wasting, and underweight among children aged 9-36 months was 44%, 11%, and 25%, respectively. Common predictors of stunting and underweight included low birth weight, short maternal stature, lack of maternal exposure to print media, and maternal consumption of iron-folic acid (IFA) during pregnancy. A lack of maternal exposure to print media was also associated with wasting. Additionally, stunting was linked to male gender and low maternal education, while Underweight was associated with children from non-Hindu & non-Muslim religious backgrounds and maternal lack of autonomy or control over household finances. Wasting on the other hand, was related to children of 24-36 months age group and maternal gestational diabetes Conclusion: High level of undernutrition was observed in urban slums of Belagavi city with stunting exceeding the national and state averages. Undernutrition was linked to maternal, child, and household factors, including low birth weight, maternal stature, education, and autonomy.