Prevalence and determinants of Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM) among children under five years of age in rural communities of Lahore, Pakistan.

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the prevalence and determinants of Protein energy malnutrition among children under five years of age in rural areas of Lahore, Pakistan. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Four Rural Communities (Hussainabad, Shershah Colony, Dubai Town and Bhobtia Pind) of Lahore, Pakistan. Period: September 2016 to March 2017. Material & Methods: Convenient sampling technique was used to collect data. Anthropometric measures were obtained from children under five years of age. Results: Prevalence of PEM was found to be 52.8% in children under five years of age in the rural communities of Lahore, Pakistan. Significant association was found in PEM and number of siblings, mother’s literacy, father’s educational level, socioeconomic status, Knowledge of mother regarding diet, housing condition. So, all these factors are considered as significant determinants of PEM. Conclusion: More children suffer from the burden of PEM. Risk factors like age, sex, type of family, number of siblings, mother’s literacy, father’s educational level, socioeconomic status, Knowledge of mother regarding diet, housing condition contribute greatly to develop PEM. There is a need to take measures to prevent the nation from this suffering. Steps must be taken to implement polices to prevent PEM. Government should launch educational interventions on large scale to alleviate this suffering. Health professional must pay special attention to this debilitating issue.