Maternal and Socioeconomic Risk Factors for Protein Energy Malnutrition Under 5 Years

Aim: Aim of study was to identify the effects of certain maternal and socioeconomic risk factors associated in children less than 5 years of age. Study Design: Case Control Study Place and duration of study: Department of pediatrics, WAPDA Teaching Hospital complex Lahore and Asad eye and children clinic from 24.5.2011 to 24.11.2011 Methodology: A total of 100 children were included in which 50 children were selected as cases having 3 rd degree malnutrition and weight less than 60% of their expected age (According to modified Gomez classification). For each case an age/sex/socioeconomic status matched child free from malnutrition were taken as controls (having weight more than 80% of their expected age). Anthropometric examination conducted which included measurement of weight, height and head circumference. Results: The results showed that the most vulnerable age for the development of protein energy malnutrition (PEM) was from 3-12 months(56%), followed by the children with age group up to 24 months (32%).Out of each group 20 were males and 30 were females. Regarding association of gender with PEM, no significant difference was seen. Furthermore lack of breast feeding, improper weaning, maternal education and multi parity have statistical difference in causing malnutrition in children less than 5 years of age. Conclusion: Better maternal education and child nutrition, social infrastructure and economy are needed to address the child’s malnutrition issue.