SEVERE ACUTE MALNUTRITION AND ITS ASSOCIATED SOCIOECONOMIC FACTORS AMONG CHILDREN UNDER FIVE YEARS

Abstract

Background:
Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) is a major public health problem in developing countries and is influenced by socioeconomic, environmental, and feeding-related factors. This study aimed to identify the socioeconomic determinants associated with SAM in children aged 6–59 months.

Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted over six months at the WHO Nutritional Stabilization Center in the pediatric ward of a tertiary care hospital in Karachi. A total of 300 children aged 6–59 months meeting WHO criteria for SAM were enrolled through consecutive sampling. Data regarding demographics, anthropometric measurements, feeding practices, immunization status, and socioeconomic factors were collected using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Continuous variables were expressed as mean ± standard deviation, while categorical variables were presented as frequencies and percentages. Chi-square, Fisher’s exact, independent t-test, and Mann–Whitney U tests were applied. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant.

Results:
The mean age of participants was 24.6 ± 14.2 months, with 54% males. Severe acute malnutrition was present in 42% of children. Delayed breastfeeding initiation (p=0.02), early complementary feeding (p=0.01), incomplete immunization (p=0.001), maternal illiteracy (p<0.001), low household income (p<0.001), unsafe drinking water (p<0.001), and poor hygiene practices (p<0.001) were significantly associated with SAM.

Conclusion:
Severe acute malnutrition remains highly prevalent among under-five children and is strongly linked to poor socioeconomic conditions and inappropriate feeding practices. Improving maternal education, nutrition awareness, immunization coverage, and sanitation may help reduce its burden.