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Article . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Article . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
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Socio-Demographic and Feeding Related Determinants of Severe Acute Undernutrition among Children Aged 6–59 Months: A Case–Control Study from a Tertiary Care Centre

Authors: Dr. Ramesh Keshavrao Lomte , Dr. Pranjali Ravindra Shinde , Dr. Nagargoje Ramchandra;

Socio-Demographic and Feeding Related Determinants of Severe Acute Undernutrition among Children Aged 6–59 Months: A Case–Control Study from a Tertiary Care Centre

Abstract

Background: Severe acute undernutrition remains a major contributor to childhood morbidity and mortality, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. It is influenced by a complex interplay of socio-demographic, feeding, and healthcare-related factors, many of which are preventable. Identifying these determinants is essential for developing effective interventions. Objectives: To identify socio-demographic, feeding, and healthcare-related risk factors associated with severe acute undernutrition among children aged 6–59 months. Methods: A hospital-based case–control study was conducted in a tertiary care centre, including 60 children aged 6–59 months. Thirty children diagnosed with severe acute undernutrition constituted the case group, while 30 age-matched children with normal nutritional status served as controls. Data regarding socio-demographic characteristics, infant feeding practices, immunization status, and birth interval were collected using a structured questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements were recorded using standard techniques. Statistical analysis was performed using appropriate tests, and a p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: Significant associations were observed between severe acute undernutrition and maternal illiteracy (70.0% vs 33.3%; p=0.005), paternal illiteracy (46.7% vs 3.3%; p=0.001), and lower socioeconomic status (96.7% vs 10.0%; p=0.001). Feeding-related factors such as lack of exclusive breastfeeding (73.3% vs 16.7%; p=0.001) and inappropriate complementary feeding (100% vs 20.0%; p=0.001) were strongly associated. Incomplete immunization (86.7% vs 20.0%; p=0.001) and shorter birth interval (≤2 years) (59.1% vs 6.3%; p=0.001) were also significant. Conclusion: Severe acute undernutrition is strongly associated with modifiable socio-demographic and feeding practices. Strengthening maternal education, promoting optimal infant feeding, improving immunization coverage, and ensuring adequate birth spacing are crucial for prevention.

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average
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