Incidence of Malnutrition in Outpatient Department of Kerbala Teaching Hospital with some Associated Factors

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the incidence of global malnutrition in outpatient department of Kerbala teaching hospital and the associated factors which include sex of patients, paternal employment and type of feeding.

Methods: By using M.U.A.C which is simple screening anthropometric test for malnutrition. Randomized Cross sectional study of 1000 child between the age of 6-59 months had taken in the study. From outpatient department of Kerbala teaching hospital. Data recorded regarding gender of patients, paternal employment and type of feeding in those less than 2 yrs. old patients.

Results: Overall incidence of global malnutrition was 6.9% in outpatient department of Kerbala teaching hospital. There is strong association between malnutrition and type of feeding during first 2 years and there was some association between employment of parents and malnutrition.