Nutrition profile of pre-school children of Dhaka university employee

Abstract

This study makes an attempt to investigate the nutritional status and socio-economic condition
of employees in Dhaka University. The target population was the under- five children of the
employees. For this purpose, a cross sectional study was conducted in two areas (Shibbari and
Ambagan) inhabited by employees of Dhaka University. Nutritional status was determined
anthropometrically and biochemically (hemoglobin estimation). Anthropometric
measurements were compared with that of NCHS standard. Prevalence of stunting (H/A),
wasting (W/H) and underweight (W/A) was 26.8%, 23.4% and 37.8%; respectively. Taking
both H/A and W/H into consideration, 55% children could be considered as 'normal' at all.
According to MUAC measurement , 22.5% children were malnourished using the cut off
point 13.5 cm. Prevalence of anemia was 49.34% and mean haemoglobin level was 10.91g/dl
(A2.02). Prevalence of anemia was highest (84.6%) in the age group of 7-11 months. Most of
the employees (37.8%) earned Tk. 3000-4499 per month. Whereas 29.2% of the employees
earned Tk. 1500-2999 per month. Rest of employees earned Tk. 4500/- and above per month.
Almost equal number of employees completed primary (26.3%) and secondary (26.8%) level
of education, whereas 17% of the employees were illiterate.