Assessment of Nutritional Status of Primary School Going Children in Island and Hill-Tract Area of Bangladesh: A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Children's nutritional status affects their health, physical growth and development, education, and future success. Malnutrition is a major underlying cause of child mortality and morbidity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate nutritional status and associated factors of primary school going children in islands and hill tracts area. A descriptive cross-sectional study using a structured questionnaire was conducted and a convenience sampling method was used in the selection of 400 students (200 from Sandwip and 200 from Bandarban) and their mothers. For each of the included children, socio-demographic data, and anthropometric data such as age, weight and height was taken. Statistical analysis was performed to identify significant determinants for stunting (height for age), wasting (weight for height) and underweight (weight for age). Chi square tests were used to establish the association of the nutritional status of the children with key variables under interest and level of significance was set at p < 0.05. The study results showed that in Sandwip 38.5% of the children were underweight, 20.5% of the children were wasted and 45% of the children were stunted and in Bandarban 40.5% of the children were underweight, 18.5% of the children were wasted and 48% of the children were stunted. Child’s age group, gender, mother’s nutritional status, mother’s education, mother’s occupation, birth order of children, diarrhea, pneumonia, worm infestation and immunization status of children were associated with the nutritional status of primary school going children.