Author(s):
Jankiben M. Patel, Priya Gajjar, Kishan Chauhan
Email(s):
jankiniravpatel@gmail.com
DOI:
10.52711/jnmr.2026.25 
Address:
Jankiben M. Patel1, Priya Gajjar2, Kishan Chauhan3
1Associate Professor, Ganpat University, Kumud & Bhupesh Institute of Nursing, Ganpat University, Gujarat, India.
2, 3Third Year GNM Students, Kumud & Bhupesh Institute of Nursing, Ganpat University, Gujarat, India.
*Corresponding Author
Published In:
Volume - 5,
Issue - 3,
Year - 2026
ABSTRACT:
Background: Malnutrition among under-five children continues to be a major public health concern in rural India, contributing significantly to childhood morbidity, mortality, and impaired physical and cognitive development. Rural populations are disproportionately affected due to socioeconomic deprivation, limited access to healthcare services, and inadequate nutritional awareness. Aim: To assess the prevalence of malnutrition and its associated factors among under-five children in selected rural areas of Mehsana district, Gujarat. Methods: A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 under-five children selected using a non-probability convenient sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured risk-factor assessment questionnaire and anthropometric measurements, including height, weight, head circumference, chest circumference, and mid-upper arm circumference. Descriptive statistics were used to assess prevalence, while inferential statistics (Chi-square test) were applied to determine associations between demographic variables and malnutrition risk. Results: The findings indicated that 87.5% of children were at moderate risk of malnutrition, while 12.5% were at low risk; none were identified as high risk. The mean malnutrition risk score was 67.15 ± 6.79. Anthropometric measurements revealed deviations from standard growth parameters in a considerable proportion of children. A statistically significant association was observed between malnutrition risk and the number of children in the family (?² = 6.15, p = 0.05). No significant association was found with age, gender, parental education, occupation, family income, or type of diet. Conclusion: The study highlights a high prevalence of moderate malnutrition risk among under-five children in rural Mehsana district. Family size emerged as a key determinant influencing nutritional status. Strengthening community-based nutrition education and targeted child health interventions is essential to address this persistent public health issue.
Cite this article:
Jankiben M. Patel, Priya Gajjar, Kishan Chauhan. Prevalence of Malnutrition and Associated Factors among Under-Five Children in Selected Rural Areas of Mehsana District, Gujarat. A and V Pub Journal of Nursing and Medical Research. 2026;5(3):117-9. doi: 10.52711/jnmr.2026.25
Cite(Electronic):
Jankiben M. Patel, Priya Gajjar, Kishan Chauhan. Prevalence of Malnutrition and Associated Factors among Under-Five Children in Selected Rural Areas of Mehsana District, Gujarat. A and V Pub Journal of Nursing and Medical Research. 2026;5(3):117-9. doi: 10.52711/jnmr.2026.25 Available on: https://www.jnmronline.com/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2026-5-3-4
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