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Effect of socioeconomic factors on malnutrition among children in Pakistan

Author

Listed:
  • Dilshad Ahmad

    (COMSATS University Islamabad, Vehari Campus)

  • Muhammad Afzal

    (Preston University, Islamabad)

  • Aisha Imtiaz

    (COMSATS University Islamabad, Vehari Campus)

Abstract

Background In the current era, malnutrition among children considers main reason of morbidity and mortality in the world scenario while more specifically in developing countries. Malnutrition in children severely affects their physical growth and academic achievements. This study aimed to find out the effect of socioeconomic factors on malnutrition, children aged under 5 years in Multan district of Punjab province, Pakistan. The study used the data of 2497 children, obtained from Multiple Integrated Cluster Survey 2018 and employed Binary logistic regression approach for empirical estimation the effects of socioeconomic factors on malnutrition among children. Results Empirical estimates of the study specified the prevalence of higher frequency of stunting (18.58), wasting (28.43) and underweight (19.54) among children particularly in rural areas of the study district Multan. Stunting status was significantly associated with children of some month (OR = 1.247, CI 95% 0.543–1.546), family size (OR = 0.589, CI 95% 0.431–3.715), maternal education (OR = 1.432, CI 95% 0.528–1.972), wealth quintile (OR = 2.174, CI 95% 1.234–3.376) and sanitation facility (OR = 0.789, CI 95% 0.627–1.987). Wasting status was mostly correlated with male children (OR = 1.208, CI 95% 0.769–1.352), children of urban areas (OR = 0.594, CI 95% 0.476–1.987) and food shortage (OR = 1.367, CI 95% 0.782–2.543). Underweight status was close relationship with male gender (OR = 1.213, CI 95% 0.821–2.897), incomplete immunization (OR = 1.342, CI 95% 1.041–2.658) and treated water access (OR = 0.689, CI 95% 0.542–2.743). Conclusion In this study, prevalence of higher-level malnutrition was estimated due to lower socioeconomic status among major population in the community specifically in rural areas. The government needs to enhance economic opportunities, promote healthcare education, increase nutritional access and generate improving personal hygiene habits through appropriate economic, political and social policy measures. The outcome of these policies will enhance individual economic resources; ensure nutritional safety, increasing maternal schooling and helpful for improving child health.

Suggested Citation

  • Dilshad Ahmad & Muhammad Afzal & Aisha Imtiaz, 2020. "Effect of socioeconomic factors on malnutrition among children in Pakistan," Future Business Journal, Springer, vol. 6(1), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:futbus:v:6:y:2020:i:1:d:10.1186_s43093-020-00032-x
    DOI: 10.1186/s43093-020-00032-x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Tasnim Khan & Rana Ejaz Ali Khan & Muhammad Ali Raza, 2015. "Gender Analysis of Malnutrition: A Case Study of School-Going Children in Bahawalpur," Asian Development Policy Review, Asian Economic and Social Society, vol. 3(2), pages 29-48, June.
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    7. Alom, Jahangir & Islam, Mohammad Amirul & Quddus, Md. Abdul, 2009. "Socioeconomic Factors Influencing Nutritional Status Of Under-Five Children Of Agrarian Families In Bangladesh: A Multilevel Analysis," Bangladesh Journal of Agricultural Economics, Bangladesh Agricultural University, vol. 32(1-2), pages 1-12, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Joanna Nieczuja-Dwojacka & Beata Borowska & Alicja Budnik & Justyna Marchewka-Długońska & Izabela Tabak & Katarzyna Popielarz, 2023. "The Influence of Socioeconomic Factors on the Body Characteristics, Proportion, and Health Behavior of Children Aged 6–12 Years," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(4), pages 1-11, February.
    2. Tabish Nawab & Saqlain Raza & Malik Shahzad Shabbir & Ghulam Yahya Khan & Sana Bashir, 2023. "Multidimensional poverty index across districts in Punjab, Pakistan: estimation and rationale to consolidate with SDGs," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 25(2), pages 1301-1325, February.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Children; Malnutrition; Stunting; Wasting; Underweight;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I10 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - General
    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • I15 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health and Economic Development
    • O12 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Microeconomic Analyses of Economic Development

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