Prevalence and correlates of undernutrition in children of 6-60 months of the age living in urban slums of Mumbai, India: a cross-sectional study

Background: In urban slums, several socio-demographic factors contribute for the occurrence of undernutrition in children, this study aimed at assessment of prevalence and correlates of undernutrition in children of 6-60 months of the age in an urban slum of Mumbai and to study associated factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in urban slum which is a field practice area of institution. Children of 6-60 months of the age were included in the study. Data was analysed with SPSS v.22.0 with suitable tests. Results: Prevalence of undernutrition was found 50.6%, more per cent of undernutrition was found in 25-60 months age 100 (54.1%), 90 (53.3%) girls, 132 (51%) nuclear family dwellers, in 9 (56.3.3%) and 39 (50.0%) children defecation practices in anywhere and open within compound. About 75 (72.1%) children whose mother not practiced hand washing before eating/handling food, 90 (63.8%) children whose mother not practiced hand washing with soap and water after defecation, 20 (80.0%) children whose mother’s hands appeared were unclean and 106 (94.6%) children who intake of daily energy requirement were inadequate, 139 (72.4%) children who intake of daily protein requirement were inadequate. 88 (71.5%) children with undernutrition belonged to class IV, (B. G. Prasad classification) and it was statistically significant association of undernutrition. Conclusions: Mumbai’s urban slums continue showing a higher prevalence of undernutrition, and is significantly influenced by inadequate intake of daily requirement of protein, unclean water, poor sanitation and hygiene, and with the improvement in these socio-demographic factors, enhancement in the nutritional state of the child is expected.