Abstract
Objective: To identify the factors contributing to malnutrition and determine its prevalence among children under five years at the pediatric ward and outpatient department (OPD) of Liaquat University Hospital, Hyderabad.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Pediatric Ward and Outpatient Department of Liaquat University Hospital, Hyderabad, between March and August 2025. Using convenience sampling, 384 children under the age of five were recruited. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographics, dietary practices, maternal education, breastfeeding, complementary feeding, and illness history. Anthropometric measurements were assessed according to the WHO growth standards. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Data were summarized using frequencies and percentages, and the Chi-square test determined associations, with a significance threshold of p ≤ 0.05.
Results: Among 384 children, 266 (69%) were malnourished. Malnutrition was higher among children aged 6–12 months, children from low-income families, and those whose mothers were illiterate. Maternal education, monthly income, exclusive breastfeeding, and frequency of complementary feeding were significantly associated with malnutrition.
Conclusion: Malnutrition among children under five is highly prevalent and is associated with socio-demographic, dietary, and healthcare-related factors. Interventions addressing maternal education, appropriate feeding practices, household food security, improving access to healthcare facilities, and maintaining proper sanitation are key strategies to reduce malnutrition among children.