Assessment of Nutritional Status by Mid Upper Arm Circumference (Muac) Among Rural Children of Katihar District in Kosi Region of Bihar

Abstract

An observational study of 500 children (267 boys and 233 girls) was undertaken during 2008-2010 at primary health centres under the aegis of Katihar Medical College in Kosi region of Bihar to assess their nutritional status using mid upper arm circumference (MUAC) in Katihar district of Bihar. Children from remote villages in rural areas located approximately 30 km from Katihar district headquarters were observed. Information on age of the children were collected from their parents. Measurement was recorded in centimetres and was procured using the standard technique. Nutritional status was determined following the World Health Organization age and sex specific cut off points. Results revealed that mean MUAC among boys was higher than girls at all ages. Significant sex differences were observed at ages 3 (p<0.05), 4 (p<0.05) and 5(p <0.05) years. Overall under nutrition were similar in both sexes. This result implied that both the sexes were equally malnourished. An increasing trend in the rates of overall malnutrition from 3 to 5 years in both sexes was observed. Our study clearly indicated that the nutritional status of children of both sexes in this age group is a serious issue. It seems appropriate to expect much improvement in the form of enhanced supplementary nutrition than what is currently being offered by the ICDS scheme in Katihar district of Bihar.

Malnutrition based on mid upper arm circumference and dietary consumption pattern of Lodha tribal children of West Bengal, India

“…29 While, another study reported prevalence of undernutrition was identical in both genders. 31 Our study found similar result in both genders. Indicating that there is no gender based food disparity and resource allocation.…”

“…1,[26][27][28] On the other hand, present rate was higher than those reported from other parts of India. [29][30][31][32] Prevalence of wasting of those studies varies from 11% to 70%, Indicating nutritional status of Indian children is not satisfactory. 1,32 A study from West Bengal, India showed the percentages of under-nutrition among girls and boys were 18.46% and 19.38%, respectively.…”

Nutritional status of children under five year of age: a cross sectional study in rural area of Jhalawar, Rajasthan

“…Compared with weight for height, MUAC has a sensitivity of 24.6% and a specificity of 94.8% appears to be a better predictor of childhood mortality than is weight for height. 7 Nutritional status plays a vital role in determining the health status particularly in children. Accurate assessment of nutritional status is a requisite in proper planning, effective implementation and evaluation of nutrition interventions.…”

Association between nutritional status of scheduled caste children and their educational performance in rural Barabanki district, Uttar Pradesh, India

“…[4][5][6] Whereas any damage due to nutritional deficiencies during childhood may lead to impaired cognitive development and poor educational achievement of the children. 1,[7][8][9][10][11][12][13] Earlier studies findings report that adequate diet consistently tends to have an excellent nutritional profile and good educational achievement among children. [14][15][16][17][18] Therefore, it is essential to ensure that an adequate and sufficient nutritious diet for every child is important to shape a healthy and productive future.…”