Anthropometric indices and its socio-demographic determinants among primary school children of an urban school in Pune, India

Background: Health of the children (5-11yrs) is of importance not only as these children have already survived the most difficult phase of their life but also their future development will affect the development of entire society. Nationwide data on under five children is routinely collected during national surveys, such as National Family Health Survey (NFHS), similar data for school age children is usually not collected, except by individual worker. Hence it was decided to carry out a health survey for school children in urban area along with their social determinants and compare those with World Health Organization (WHO) standards. Aim: To find prevalence of malnutrition in primary school children of urban India and their social determinants. Setting and design: School community setting and cross sectional design. Material and Methods: Anthropometric measurements were done in students of class one to five by two investigators. A self administered questionnaire was used to collect information about socio-economic factors. Statistical analysis used: Epi Info 6 software of CDC, Atlanta, USA. Student ‘t’ test for quantitative data along with 95% confidence interval and chi square test for categorical data. Results: The prevalence of stunting was 4.47% (95% CI, 3-5.94), wasting 6.32% (95% CI 4.59-8.05%) and under nutrition 5.00% (95% CI 3.45-6). Parent’s educational levels were significantly associated with the nutritional status of the child. However no statistically significant association was found with regard to family income and family size. Only wasting was significantly associated with mother’s working status. Conclusion: Mothers and fathers education are most important determinants of nutritional status of primary school children in Urban India.