Study on socio-economic factors affecting urban child malnutrition on Kollonnawa.

Abstract

Malnutrition is a universal issue holding back development with unacceptable human consequences. Background as in many other Asian countries, Sri Lanka is in the phase of a rapid demographic, Nutritional and epidemiological nutritional transition occurring with socioeconomic development and urbanization. The effect of malnutrition is globally recognized as being devastating and far-reaching. Malnutrition in Sri Lanka takes many forms and is widespread. While the national prevalence of stunting dropped dramatically over the decades, progress has stalled in recent years and wasting is at the level of a major public health issue. The main objective of this study is to identify the socio-economic factors affect urban child malnutrition in Sedawatta GND. This research is a mix method research. Hence to achieve the target, 50 households were selected through simple random sampling method. The structured questionnaire has been used to collect the primary data as well as journals, books, articles, research papers, organizations reports that have been selected to the secondary data. Both primary and secondary data have been analysed under descriptive statistical methods and results have been illustrated by graphs and tables. This study reveals that the main reasons for urban child malnutrition are low income, unemployment, illiterate, early marriages, less access for health and sanitation and less attention to the nutrition status of children in households. According to the researcher, empowerment of households organized awareness programs to make an attitude change of dietary habits are the main suggestion for eradicating urban child malnutrition.