Prevalence of Stunting in Children and Adolescents from Bankura District of West Bengal, India

Under nutrition in children is an important public health issue in India, particularly from the rural areas. The objective of the present study was to evaluate height and prevalence of stunting among school-going children and adolescents. A cross-sectional study was undertaken among schoolgoing children and adolescents from Purulia district in West Bengal, India. The participants were 6 to 9-year-old children (76 boys, 64 girls) and 10 to 17-year-old adolescents (289 boys, 175 girls). Girl children were taller (118.44 cm) than boys (115.72 cm). However, adolescent boys showed higher mean value of height (141.15 cm) than that recorded among girl peers (136.94 cm) with significant sex difference. High prevalence of stunting has been recorded among children (boys 46.10%, girls 43.8%) and adolescents (boys 77.2%, girls 72.0%).

Low height-for-age (stunting) in children and adolescents is an indicator of chronic energy deficiency and growth failure [1] that is related to Social-Economic-Political-Emotional (SEPE) inequalities and insecurities [2]. Poor socioeconomic background, inadequate diet, and unhealthy living conditions may cause under nutrition in children and adolescents [3]. The objective of the present study was to evaluate height and prevalence of stunting among school-going children and adolescents from Purulia district in West Bengal, India.

Keyword: Height; Under nutrition; Stunting; Children; Adolescents