Nutritional Status of Reproductive-Aged Women and Children Under the Age of Five in Nepal

Abstract

Aim: Despite the presence of economic improvements and the execution of many policies, the issue of malnutrition continues to persist as a significant worry for women and children in Nepal. This study provides a comprehensive examination of the nutritional outcomes among women of reproductive age and children within the country. Subject and Methods: Drawing upon data obtained from the Demographic Health Survey, this study examines the significant degree of malnutrition and investigates the various factors that contribute to its occurrence. The study objectives were accomplished through the utilization of binary logistic regression and multinomial logistic regression analyses. Results: The results of the study reveal that almost 49% of children in Nepal exhibit stunting, 11% exhibit wasting, and 34% are classified as underweight. There is a correlation between wealth quintiles and a decrease in the likelihood of stunting and underweight conditions. It is worth noting that there is an increased likelihood of severe stunting and wasting among infants born to moms between the ages of 25 and 49. Insufficient sanitation facilities have been found to be correlated with increased likelihood of stunted growth and underweight conditions. In relation to the female population, it is observed that 17% exhibit underweight, 17% exhibit overweight, and 5% exhibit obesity. There is an observed correlation between advancing age in women and a higher likelihood of becoming overweight or obese. Women who depend on tube wells or borewells for their water supply are at a heightened risk of being underweight. Moreover, there is a positive correlation between the absence of adequate bathroom facilities for women and an increased likelihood of being underweight.Conclusion: The research findings showed that there is a persistent high frequency of malnutrition among older and rural children, as well as those with mothers who have lower levels of education and come from economically disadvantaged homes. The possibilities of fluctuating BMI among women are influenced by factors such as education, marital status, and wealth quintile. Moreover, the absence of adequate sanitation facilities and the presence of contaminated drinking water sources contribute to an elevated susceptibility to underweight conditions. The aforementioned statement underscores the necessity for Nepal to embrace a holistic strategy that is in accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals in order to tackle the deteriorating nutritional status of women and children.