Introduction: In the era of globalization and economic growth, still a significant proportion of children are deprived
of getting adequate food. Therefore, child malnutrition is high worldwide. In case of India all forms of malnutrition
are high i.e., stunting, wasting, underweight and, anaemia.
Objective: This study aims to assess the prevalence of child underweight and socio-economic determinants of
children underweight.
Methods and materials: Present study used fifth round of National Family Health Survey (2019 -21) data. Simple
percentage, bivariate analysis, adjusted and unadjusted odds ratio are used for the data analysis purpose.
Results: The prevalence of child underweight in India is around 33%. The highest child under-weight is prevailing
in the states of Bihar, Gujarat and Jharkhand. Few north-eastern states show better progress in child under-weight
with respect to other parts of India. Prevalence of underweight varies by various demographic and socio-economic
background characteristics. Here it is found that, with increasing age of the new-born underweight is increasing.
There is marginal difference in gender disparity of under-weight prevalence (33.47% -Male Vs 31.78% -Female).
In case of place of residence, the under-weight prevalence is high in rural areas as compared to urban area. Under
weight is more prominent among child belonging to scheduled tribe (40%) followed by scheduled caste, other
backward class and other caste respectively. More percentage of children belonging to Muslim religion are prone
to underweight as compared to children belonging to other religion. Education of the mother and her wealth status
are important determinants which are influencing children underweight.
Conclusion: Prevalence of child underweight is high (33%) in India and Bihar stands in first position. Further
education level of mother, age of children, birth order, age of the mothers at first child, wealth index and caste are
the main controlling factor for underweight among children. However, the most prominent factors are education
level of mothers and wealth index for child under-weight.
REALITY AND VISION.