Razia Latif.
Malnutrition in children in the low socioeconomic area of Karachi.
Pak Paed J Jan ;31(2):53-7.

Objective: Malnutrition is a common problem in developing countries. This study was carried out to study the frequency of malnutrition in children and the associated risk factors at a tertiary care hospital in the low socioeconomic area of Keamari, Karachi. Methods: Infants and children from birth to five years of age admitted to the paediatric ward of KDLB campus, Ziauddin Medical University Hospital over a six month period were enrolled in the study. Information was collected from the parents of the patients and from their medical records using a structured performa. Results: The frequency of malnutrition was 37.7% in our study population. It was twice common in girls than in boys. No significant association was found between the literacy level of the parents and malnutrition. An inverse relationship was found between malnutrition and monthly household income of the family. Malnutrition was significantly associated with anemia in our study population (p =0.002). Conclusion: Malnutrition was common in our study patients, more so in girls than in boys. Adults taking care of these children need to be educated so that better nutrition can be provided to these children living in squatter settlements.

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