Factors associated with malnutrition among under-five children in migrant population of Udupi district

Background: Nutritional status of the child describes not only the entire health profile of an individual but also of the entire community. Certain determinants like, the type of family, caste, and standard of living index, mother's education, housing and environmental conditions plays a significant role in protein energy malnutrition. Objective: To determine the factors associated with prevalence of malnutrition among under five children. Method and Material: The study used a cross-sectional design comprising of 260 under-five children and their mothers (dyad). The migrant population areas of Udupi taluk were selected through simple random sampling and the samples were selected using cluster sampling. Data were collected using demographic proforma, a semi-structured questionnaire on factors associated with malnutrition and knowledge questionnaire on malnutrition. Results: Malnutrition was prevalent among 58.07% migrant children.There is significant association between malnutrition and gender?² (1) =6.985, p value= 0.006), number of siblings ?² (2) =7.292, p value= 0.026),socioeconomic status ?²(2) =10.488, p value= 0.033), source of water supply?² (2) =7.073, p value= 0.029), mothers age at the time of delivery?² (1) =6.478, p value= 0.039), spacing between two children ((2) =6.886, p value= 0.043) and mid arm circumference of the child ?²(1) =11.075, p value= 0.011). Conclusions: Malnutrition is highly prevalent among under-five children of migrant population. Many factors associated with malnutrion are identified in the study and apt measures should be taken to prevent the modifiable factors. Empowering caregivers helps to reduce the prevalence of malnutrition.