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Home  >  Medical Research Archives  >  Issue 149  > Divergence in time trends between nutrition and health status of Indian children: an enigma?
Published in the Medical Research Archives
Dec 2023 Issue

Divergence in time trends between nutrition and health status of Indian children: an enigma?

Published on Dec 26, 2023

DOI 

Abstract

 

India has been food secure and children had access to essential health and nutrition services for four decades but under-nutrition rates in children continue to be high. Despite the high prevalence of low birthweight (LBW) and under-nutrition, under-five mortality rates are relatively low: the ‘South Asian enigma’.

Data from research studies and large-scale nutrition and health surveys were analysed and reviewed to assess:

  • dimensions, determinants and time trends of under-nutrition in under-five children,
  • functional decompensations associated with LBW and under-nutrition,
  • factors responsible for ‘South Asian enigma’, and
  • progress towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) for child nutrition and health.

Neonates born with low weight and length, follow a lower trajectory of growth throughout childhood; this was the major factor responsible for the high under-nutrition rates in children. Breast feeding was nearly universal; about 2/3rd of infants were solely breast-fed at 5 months; but both complementary feeds and adult food given to children were inadequate and lacked diversity. This resulted in a rise in under-nutrition rates between 12-23 months. In 24-59 months there was no further rise in under-nutrition rates. Moderate under-nutrition is not associated with increase in risk of infections; health care for infection was available and utilised; therefore, mortality rates were low.

India will not be able to achieve the SDG targets for reduction in low birthweight or under-nutrition but is likely to achieve the targets for reduction in food insecurity and under-five mortality.

Author info

Prema Ramachandran, K Kalaivani

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