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This study investigates the prevalence of malnutrition among children under five in the urban coastal households of Moratuwa, Colombo, Sri Lanka, focusing on socioeconomic, environmental, and health-related factors. Data were collected through a cross-sectional survey of 100 households within the Moratuwa municipality. The study population included children aged 6 months to 5 years and their caregivers, who provided information on household conditions, feeding practices, and healthcare access. A structured questionnaire gathered data on socioeconomic status, parental education, feeding practices, health service utilization, and sanitation. Anthropometric measurements, including height and weight, assessed children’s nutritional status. A 24-h dietary recall method provided detailed information on recent food intake. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software, while the WHO Anthro Survey Analyzer determined the prevalence of malnutrition (underweight, stunting, wasting), with findings presented descriptively and statistically. Results revealed high malnutrition prevalence, with 40% of children experiencing stunting, 26% underweight, and 10.4% wasting. Boys and children aged 2–5 years were most affected, indicating dietary deficits and the need for targeted interventions. Malnutrition was associated with larger household sizes, lower maternal education, inadequate sanitation, and limited healthcare access. Dietary patterns showed a high intake of grains and carbohydrates (44.9%) but inadequate consumption of dairy (19.1%), protein (12.7%), fruits (12.7%), and vegetables (8.8%). Inadequate calorie intake among children aged 0–12 months also raised concerns. The study concludes that enhancing maternal education, healthcare access, dietary diversity, and sanitation facilities is crucial to reducing child malnutrition in urban coastal households of Moratuwa. These insights can inform targeted interventions and policies to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being).

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Prevalence and Determinants of Malnutrition Among Children Under Five in Urban Coastal Households: A Case Study of Moratuwa, Colombo, Sri Lanka

  • 会议论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年

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  • M. Thenabadu,
  • M. A. J. Wansapala,
  • S. M. Y. N. Gunadasa

摘要

This study investigates the prevalence of malnutrition among children under five in the urban coastal households of Moratuwa, Colombo, Sri Lanka, focusing on socioeconomic, environmental, and health-related factors. Data were collected through a cross-sectional survey of 100 households within the Moratuwa municipality. The study population included children aged 6 months to 5 years and their caregivers, who provided information on household conditions, feeding practices, and healthcare access. A structured questionnaire gathered data on socioeconomic status, parental education, feeding practices, health service utilization, and sanitation. Anthropometric measurements, including height and weight, assessed children’s nutritional status. A 24-h dietary recall method provided detailed information on recent food intake. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software, while the WHO Anthro Survey Analyzer determined the prevalence of malnutrition (underweight, stunting, wasting), with findings presented descriptively and statistically. Results revealed high malnutrition prevalence, with 40% of children experiencing stunting, 26% underweight, and 10.4% wasting. Boys and children aged 2–5 years were most affected, indicating dietary deficits and the need for targeted interventions. Malnutrition was associated with larger household sizes, lower maternal education, inadequate sanitation, and limited healthcare access. Dietary patterns showed a high intake of grains and carbohydrates (44.9%) but inadequate consumption of dairy (19.1%), protein (12.7%), fruits (12.7%), and vegetables (8.8%). Inadequate calorie intake among children aged 0–12 months also raised concerns. The study concludes that enhancing maternal education, healthcare access, dietary diversity, and sanitation facilities is crucial to reducing child malnutrition in urban coastal households of Moratuwa. These insights can inform targeted interventions and policies to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being).