Contents American International Journal of Social Science Research; Vol. 2, No. 1; 2018 ISSN 2576-103X E-ISSN 2576-1048 Published by Centre for Research on Islamic Banking & Finance and Business 1 Weight for Height of Children in Nepal Maya Nath Ghimire 1 & Ram Krishna Maharjan 2 1 Mewar University, Rajasthan, India 2 Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal Correspondence: Maya Nath Ghimire, Mewar University, India. Email: mayanathghimire@gmail.com Received: October 09, 2017 Accepted: October 12, 2017 Online Published: January 4, 2018 Abstract Health is more important for the physical and mental growth and development of children. The children under five years are considered as a critical stage for their future development. Food plays vital role in development of children health. In this relation, the study has explored and analysed weight for height of children of 3-5 years with reference to age and gender. The study was conducted in rural area of Makawanpur and Chitawan districts of Nepal among the 1250 samples.The study found that in total, 4.3% children were in sever/worst malnourished (-3SD) of weight for height. Similarly, 8.7% children were in moderate malnourished (-2SD), and 26.9% were in mild malnourished (-1SD). The study found that there was very slightly different in nutritional status of Chepang and non Chepang children. Keywords: Height, Mid-Upper Arms Circumference (MUAC), Malnutrition, Under-Nutrition, Weight. 1. Introduction Child growth is dependent on the weight for height. If weight for height is not according to children they are called under-nutrition or malnutrition.If a child has a chronic nutritional deficiencies and frequent bouts of illness in early life is best indicated by the infant’s growth in length and the child’s growth in height. Stunted is the cause of day to day nutritional deficiencies. They may not gain height in later age; those who live in developing countries (GoN, MoHP, DoHS, 2010). While a deficit in height i.e. stunting is difficult to correct, underweight can be recovered if nutrition and health is improved later in childhood. If the compromised of height at age is covered at the age of four to five, it masks the imbalance of nutrition during pregnancy period. (UNICEF, 2009). Childhood malnutrition is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. It is a complicating factor for other illnesses. The situation of child malnutrition in Nepal is very high due to the cultural, social, economic, educational and political structure of Nepal(Chapagain, et al., 2004). Stunting, underweight and wasting are more common in Mid and Far-West Hills, and Mountain areas than other parts of the country. Approximately 50% children in Nepal are undernourished out of which 49% are stunting, 39% are underweight and 12% are wasting(Sharma, 2012). The immediate implication of malnutrition is weight loss and faltering growth, as well as increased susceptibility to disease. The long term effect of malnutrition or stunting has intergenerational www.cribfb.com/journal/index.php/aijssr American International Journal of Social Science Research Vol. 2, No. 1; 2018 2 implication as well. Bhattarai and colleagues(2012) explored that regarding children, two third of male and 50% female were malnourished. Similarly, 51.2% of male and 28% of female were found stunted indicating chronic malnutrition and 39% of male and 42% of female were found suffering Chronic Energy Deficiency (Thinness) while 3% male had class-I obesity and they were overweight. Almost all of the children were forced to the moderate work, due to cultural impact, lack of awareness and social bad impact. “Adult man, women and children from 13 months to 5 years obtained total energy from their daily food” (Bhattarai, Rai, & Rai, 2012, p. 222). There are different causes of under-nutrition. They are economical, cultural, environmental, lack of awareness, etc. To come out of these different causes food security policy act is needed. However, “in Nepal, a separate policy for food safety and quality doesn’t exit. How as expects of food safety and quality have been reflected in other policy and strategies such as Nepal Plan of Action on Nutrition 1998, Multi-sectorial Nutritional Plan 2013 have stressed the impotence of food safety and quality. Food safety and quality policy has been drafted and yet to be approved by the Government of Nepal.” (Wasti & Purna, 2013, p. 8). 2. Materials & Method "A research design is the arrangement of conditions for collection and analysis of data in a manner that aims to combine relevance to the research purpose with economy in procedure"(Kothari, 2009). A research design provides the framework for the collection and analysis of data. This research was an explorative based on mixed method. Through such research we can analyse the various factors which motivate people to behave in particular manner or which make people like or dislike in food intake in Chepang community of Chitawan and Makawanpur districts of Nepal. This study was non-experimental cross sectional. Primary data were collected by using the structured questionnaires and focus group discussions. Simple frequency distribution was applied to identify the nutrition status of 3-5 years children. Comparative study was conducted between the Chepang and Non-Chepang communities. As well as through FGDs qualitative data were collected and narrated. Quantitative data, cross-sectional survey method has been used. A well-structured questionnaire and measurement of weight and height were used to determine the nutritional status of children of socio-economic, environmental, demographic and household deprivation on nutritional status of the 3-5 years children in rural areas of Chitawan and Makawanpur districts in Chepang communities. It was compared with Brahman/Chhetri of 3-5 years children. Census method was used for questionnaire survey from Chepang population 3-5 year children household for data collection. The key informants were 3-5 years children households. Quantitative data were gathered by structured questions containing height, weight and mid-upper arms circumference (MUAC) measurement. The anthropometric measure as well as Department of Health and WHO standards were used for the determination of nutritional status of 3-5 years children. Standard deviation of score (Z-score) for weight-for-age (WAZ), height-for-age (HAZ) and weight-for-height (WHZ) were calculated. 3. Objectives of the Research The main objective of this study is to explore and analyse weight for height of children of 3-5 years with reference to age and gender. 4. Result & Discussion 4.1 Sex-Wise No. of Children in Family The collected data show that 49.3% boys and 50.7% girls were found. Among them, 49.9% non-Chepang and 48.8% Chepang boys were reported. www.cribfb.com/journal/index.php/aijssr American International Journal of Social Science Research Vol. 2, No. 1; 2018 3 Table 1: Sex-wise no. of children in family District Ethnicity Male Female Total Makawanpur Non-Chepang # 158 155 313 % 50.5 49.5 100 Chepang # 123 152 275 % 44.7 55.3 100 Total # 281 307 588 % 47.8 52.2 100 Chitawan Non-Chepang # 97 101 198 % 49.0 51.0 100 Chepang # 238 226 464 % 51.3 48.7 100 Total # 335 327 662 % 50.6 49.4 100 Total Non-Chepang # 255 256 511 % 49.9 50.1 100 Chepang # 361 378 739 % 48.8 51.2 100 Total # 616 634 1250 % 49.3 50.7 100 The above table shows that 50.5% non-Chepang and 44.7% Chepang were boys from Makawanpur district. Similarly, from Chitawan district, 49% non-Chepang and 51.3% Chepang were boys. District-wise, boys' participation was higher from Chitawan district whereas girls were higher from Makawanpur district. 4.2 Age of Children (In Months) The study was focused among the 3-5 years (36-60 months) children. Among them, exact age of children was collected. Age was calculated in months. In total, 24.9% children were of 36 months, 16.6% were between 37-41 months, 7.8% were between 42-46 months, 22.9% were between 47-51 months, 5% were between 52-56 months, and 22.9% were between 57-60 months. Comparatively, majority children were of 36 months. Table 2: Age of children (in months) District Ethnicity 36 37-41 42-46 47-51 52-56 57-60 Total Makawanpur Non-Chepang # 110 11 7 110 4 71 313 % 35.1 3.5 2.2 35.1 1.3 22.7 100 Chepang # 113 12 17 64 15 54 275 % 41.1 4.4 6.2 23.3 5.5 19.6 100 Total # 223 23 24 174 19 125 588 % 37.9 3.9 4.1 29.6 3.2 21.3 100 Chitawan Non-Chepang # 21 52 34 25 19 47 198 % 10.6 26.3 17.2 12.6 9.6 23.7 100 Chepang # 67 133 39 87 24 114 464 % 14.4 28.7 8.4 18.8 5.2 24.6 100 www.cribfb.com/journal/index.php/aijssr American International Journal of Social Science Research Vol. 2, No. 1; 2018 4 Total # 88 185 73 112 43 161 662 % 13.3 27.9 11.0 16.9 6.5 24.3 100 Total Non-Chepang # 131 63 41 135 23 118 511 % 25.6 12.3 8.0 26.4 4.5 23.1 100 Chepang # 180 145 56 151 39 168 739 % 24.4 19.6 7.6 20.4 5.3 22.7 100 Total # 311 208 97 286 62 286 1250 % 24.9 16.6 7.8 22.9 5.0 22.9 100 The above table shows that 24.9% children were of 36 months in Makawanpur district whereas majority of children were between 37-41 months in Chitawan district. Ethnicity wise also, 41.1% Chepang children were of 36 months and 35.1% non-Chepang children were 36 months in Makawanpur district. Similarly, in Chitawan district, majority 28.7% Chepang children and 26.3% non-Chepang were between 37- 41 months. 4.3 Total Family Members in a Family 50.5% respondents reported that they had less than 5 members in a family, 34.6% had 5-8 members, 12.8% had 8-11 members, 1.7% had 11-14 and 0.4% had more than 14 members in a family. Table 3: Total family members in a family District Ethnicity Less than 5 5-8 8-11 11-14 More than 14 Total Makawanpur Non-Chepang # 193 96 22 1 1 313 % 61.7 30.7 7.0 0.3 0.3 100 Chepang # 104 125 37 7 2 275 % 37.8 45.5 13.5 2.5 0.7 100 Total # 297 221 59 8 3 588 % 50.5 37.6 10.0 1.4 0.5 100 Chitawan Non-Chepang # 130 49 19 - - 198 % 65.7 24.7 9.6 - - 100 Chepang # 204 163 82 13 2 464 % 44.0 35.1 17.7 2.8 0.4 100 Total # 334 212 101 13 2 662 % 50.5 32.0 15.3 2.0 0.3 100 Total Non-Chepang # 323 145 41 1 1 511 % 63.2 28.4 8.0 0.2 0.2 100 Chepang # 308 288 119 20 4 739 % 41.7 39.0 16.1 2.7 0.5 100 Total # 631 433 160 21 5 1250 % 50.5 34.6 12.8 1.7 0.4 100 The above table shows that 50.5% family had less than 5 members in both Makawanpur and Chitawan districts. Similarly, ethnicity wise, 37.8% Chepang in comparison with 61.7% non-Chepang had less than 5 members whereas 0.7% Chepang and 0.3% non-Chepang had more than 14 members in a family in Makawanpur district. Similarly, 44% Chepang in comparison with 65.7% non-Chepang had less than 5 members whereas 0.4% www.cribfb.com/journal/index.php/aijssr American International Journal of Social Science Research Vol. 2, No. 1; 2018 5 Chepang had more than 14 members in a family in Chitawan district. Number of family members was found high in Chepang in both districts as comparison with other non-Chepang communities. 4.4 Weight for Height of Children The weight for height of children was identified on the basis of nutritional measurement scale developed by the World Health Organization (WHO). The Table 4 shows that in total, 4.3% children were in sever/worst malnourished (-3SD) of weight for height. Similarly, 8.7% children were in moderate malnourished (-2SD), and 26.9% were in mild malnourished (-1SD). Table 4: Weight for height of children Wfh Non-Chepang Chepang Total # % # % -1SD 142 42.3 194 57.7 336 -2SD 35 32.1 74 67.9 109 -3SD 22 41.5 31 58.5 53 Median 94 41 135 59 229 1SD 98 49.7 99 50.3 197 2SD 37 49.3 38 50.7 75 3SD 64 49 67 51 131 NA 19 16.2 98 83.8 117 Total 511 41 736 59 1247 The results support the research finding of baseline survey report of Tanahu that “27% children were suffering from severe and moderate undernutrition and 7% were having severe and moderate wasting indicating acute malnutrition"(United Mission to Nepal, 2003, p. vi). 5. Conclusion The study has focused to explore the weight for height of Chepang and non-Chepang children of Makawanpur and Chitawan districts of Nepal in relation to malnutrition status as defined by WHO guideline. The study found that there was very slightly different in nutritional status of Chepang and non Chepang children. In total, 4.3% children were in sever/worst malnourished (-3SD) of weight for height. Similarly, 8.7% children were in moderate malnourished (-2SD), and 26.9% were in mild malnourished (-1SD).The findings of this study is similar to the research finding of baseline survey report of Tanahu district of Nepal.The study strongly recommend to study on the same issue in other districts and other age groups too. References Bhattarai, R. R., Rai, B. K., & Rai, S. (2012). Relating Indigenous Knowledge and Food Security in Athapahariya Community of Dhankuta District. Organizing Committee, National Conference on Food Science and Technology, Food Conerence-2012) 10-11 August, 2012.4, pp. 213-223. Kathmadu: Organizing Committee, National Conference on Food Science and Technology (Food Conference 2012. Chapagain, R., Adhikari, A., Dahal, R., Subedi, J., Bhengero, J., Willams-Bhengero, S., & Towne, B. (2004). A Study of Nutritional status of under 5 Jirel children of Eastern Nepal. Journal of Nepal Health Research Council, 2(2), 64-67. GoN, MoHP, DoHS. (2010). Tracking Progress on Child and Maternal Nutrition in Nepal: A Survival and Development Priority. Kathmandu: Government of Nepal, Ministry of Health and Population, Department of Health Services. Retrieved from www.aapd.org/assets/1/25/Shulman-17-01.pdf www.cribfb.com/journal/index.php/aijssr American International Journal of Social Science Research Vol. 2, No. 1; 2018 6 Sharma, K. (2012). Malnutrition in Children Aged 6-59 Months in Mugu District. Journal of Nepal Health Research Council, 10(20), 156-159. Retrieved March 9, 2015, from file:///C:/Users/Dasarath%20Neupane/Downloads/312-311-1-PB.pdf UNICEF. (2009). Tracking Progress On Child On Maternal Nutrition In Nepal: A survival and development priority. Retrieved from http://www.unicef.org/publications/files/Tracking_Progress_on_Child_and_Maternal_Nutrition_EN_1 10309.pdf United Mission to Nepal. (2003). Nutritional Status Of Children Under Five Year And Women Of Reproductive Age In Tanahu. Kathmandu: United Mission to Nepal. Wasti, U. K., & Purna, C. (2013). Food Safety and Legislation in Nepal. Food Safety and Nutrition (pp. 7-16). Kathmandu: Organizing Committee, Inter-Country Workshop on Food Safety and Nutrition. . Copyrights Copyright for this article is retained by the author(s), with first publication rights granted to the journal. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).