Nutritional Status of Pre-Schooling Children of Different Socio-Economic Statuses as Influenced by Various Diseases

The study was carried out on 100 children (85 malnourished and 15 apparently healthy) of pre-schooling age (0-4 years). The malnourished children were randomly selected from those admitted to Pediatrics wards of Allied and National Hospitals at Faisalabad (Punjab). The test patients were divided into four age groups (up to 12, 13-23, 24-35 and 36-48 months), three socio-economic statuses, i.e. lower class (maximum earning of Rs. 5000 per month), middle class (Rs. 5000 - 15000 per month) and upper class (minimum earning of Rs. 15000 per month), sex and on the basis of area of living, i.e. industrial or non-industrial. Parameters of study included anthropometrics (BMI, mid-arm circumference and percent weight). The obtained results revealed that diarrhoea, fever and malnutrition were the major complaints. Mid-arm circumference, percent of weight and body mass index were low in malnourished children. They were also low among malnourished children of 3rd degree. In each socio-economic status, age and sex groups, serum iron and copper were higher in malnourished children and in females than in males. Malnutrition was more prevalent in children of up to 12 months of age, in males, in children of low socio-economic status and of non-industrial area. Several types of milk were more frequently offered to males and breast-feeding was more often offered by uneducated and under-matriculate mothers.