Peer-reviewed article
Prevalence of Stunting Among Scheduled Tribe Children Aged 6-10 Years in Reasi District of Jammu & Kashmir, India.
Katoch OR, Nawaz A ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This study examined stunting (inadequate height for age) among Scheduled Tribe children aged 6-10 years in Reasi district, Jammu & Kashmir, India. Researchers measured 200 children using standard anthropometric methods and collected data on family socioeconomic conditions. The study found high rates of stunting affecting both boys and girls, with family income, economic status, sanitation, and employment being key contributing factors. The authors call for multi-sectoral interventions involving government, NGOs, and communities to address malnutrition in this vulnerable population.
Key points
- High stunting prevalence was found among Scheduled Tribe children aged 6-10 years in the district
- Both height and weight measurements fell below WHO and ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) standards
- Key determinants of stunting included family income, economic status, sanitation conditions, and employment nature of family head
- Study used cross-sectional design with 200 children assessed via anthropometry and HAZ (height-for-age Z) scores
- Authors recommend coordinated efforts across healthcare, education, and food security sectors
Limitations
This cross-sectional study can only describe the prevalence and associations at one point in time and cannot establish cause-and-effect relationships. The findings are specific to Scheduled Tribe children in one district and may not be generalizable to other populations or regions.
Abstract
Purpose The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence, determinants, and patterns of malnutrition, specifically stunting, among Scheduled Tribe (ST) children aged 6-10 years in Reasi district of Jammu & Kashmir, India. Methods A cross-sectional study of 200 ST children in Reasi district assessed nutritional status via anthropometry, socio-economic data, and HAZ scores. Independent t-tests and chi-square tests analyzed growth standards and socioeconomic links. SPSS 2024 provided descriptive statistics and prevalence across age and gender. Results The study reveals high stunting rates among ST children, affecting both genders. Height and weight fall below WHO and ICMR standards. Key determinants include economic status, family income, sanitation, head of family and employment nature. Conclusion Findings highlight the urgent need for targeted, multi-sectoral interventions addressing malnutrition among ST children in Reasi. Collaborative efforts by governments, NGOs, and communities in healthcare, education, and food security are crucial to effectively tackle the issue.