Possible Risk Factors Related to Malnutrition in 6-59-Month Children with Severe Acute Malnutrition in District Pakpattan, Punjab

Background: Malnutrition is responsible for one third of the mortality rate among children less than 5 years old. Worldwide, 54% of the child deaths are due to malnutrition and the caseload in Pakistan is equal to 46%. In the current study, we attempted to identify the possible risk factors related to malnutrition among 6-59-month children in Pakpattan, Punjab province. Methods: A total of 500 severe acute malnourished (SAM) 6-59-month children were assessed during a period of 12 months (March 2018 to Feb 2019) to find out the possible risk factors for SAM. Results: Based on the findings, significant possible determinants risk factors related to acute malnutrition include edema, blurred vision, illness history, birth interval, mother body mass index (BMI), complementary feeding, family size, and family member working status. Conclusion: Malnutrition risk factors depend upon children nutrition status and early detection of these risk factors may improve the nutrition status and functional recovery in children.