Malnutrition and Associated Factors with Nutritional Status among Orphan Children: An Evidence-Based Study from Nepal

Abstract

Background: Malnutrition is common public health problem among children in low- and middle-income countries. Orphan’s children are vulnerable and neglected group in the society and are more prone to malnutrition. The study aims to identify prevalence of underweight, stunting and thinness of children residing in slum area with its associated factors. Method: Quantitative method & analytical cross-sectional research design were used to assess the nutritional status and its associated factors among orphan children in Pokhara, Nepal. The sample size of 160 children were obtained by simple random technique. Semi-structured questionnaire, digital bathroom scale, stadiometer was used as data collection technique. Data management and analysis was done from Epi-info, SPSS 25 version & WHO Anthro plus. Result: Out of 160 children, majority 80% were malnourished & 55.1% were stunted whereas 13.8% were thinness & 6.9% were found to be overweight. Our study revealed a significant association between sex, age, ethnicity, duration of stay in children’s home and education of caregiver (p <0.05). Conclusion: Malnutrition is highly prevalent in orphan children and need to be addressed. Nutritional status should be monitored regularly for early identification & timely intervention of malnutrition to promote the nutrition health status of children.