2025, Vol. 7, Issue 1, Part B

Malnutrition is the condition that develops when the body does not get the right amount of the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients which need to maintain healthy tissues and organ function as measured by bio-physiologic measurement. Majority of the children in India who live below the poverty line in an environment of multi-deprivation and starvation have impact on their development. Malnutrition is a global problem especially in developing countries. Specifically under nutrition is a major public health problem among under five children. The high mortality rate is largely due to infection and malnutrition. Hence malnutrition was shown to be an underlying cause in 3.4% of all deaths in all young children.

Aim: The aim of the study was to find out the occurrence of malnutrition and its relationship with dietary pattern and utilization of related health care services among under five children in selected ICDS centres, West Bengal.

Objectives: 1. To identify the occurrence of malnutrition among under five children, 2. To find out the dietary pattern of under five children, 3. To determine the utilization of related health care services among under five children, 4. To find out the relationship between malnutrition and dietary pattern, 5. To find out the association between malnutrition and utilization of related health care services.

Methodology: 100 malnourished under five children from selected ICDS centres of Purulia district, west Bengal were selected by using non-probability purposive sampling technique.

Results: The findings revealed that occurrence of malnutrition in Purulia district, Bagmundi block was 37.7%, 61% of malnourished children had medium dietary diversity, 42% of malnourished children frequently suffered by ARI. The co relational analysis suggests that malnutrition of under five children positively correlate with dietary pattern of them (r = 0.5).The chi square value showed only significant association between malnutrition and exclusive breast feeding practices, iron syrup supplementation and occurrence of ARI (5.99*, 7.35**, 8.62**).