Health Assessment of Malnourished Children by Anthropometry and Clinical Examination

Malnutrition is one of the most important risk factor for illness and death of the children. A cross sectional study was conducted among one hundred children belonged to the age group of 0-5 years in tribal areas of Malkanagiri district, Odisha to know their health status by anthropometric measurements and clinical assessment. It was observed that 60 per cent of the respondents were suffering from grade III and grade - IV degrees of malnutrition belonged to the age group of 7-12 months. Mean weight, height and mid upper Arm Circumference of the respondents was found to be lesser than ICMR and Wolanski standard, respectively. The percentage of deficiency was found to be more in case of boys in comparison to girls and also found to increase with advancement of age. Visible Severe wasting (45%) irritable (30%) and lethargy (22%) pallor (56%), dehydration (50%) and Severe B/L pedal edema (12%) were the most common clinical symptoms found among the respondents. Thus, it can be concluded that illiteracy, ignorance and low income of the parents were the most important factors in prevalence of malnutrition among the respondents.