A MAJOR HEALTH PROBLEM AMONG CHILDREN UNDER 3 YEARS OF AGE IN URBAN AREAS OF WEST BENGAL, INDIA

Background: Malnutrition is still highly pervasive in developing countries, and pre-school age children may be a particular high-risk population. However, nutritional status of this group is poorly documented, particularly in urban areas. Aims: To assess the stunting, underweight, thinness and overweight in urban Bengalee pre-school age children. Methods: A total of 1060 children aged 1-3 years who attended the immunisation clinic of Midnapore District Red Cross Hospital of West Bengal, India during three years were enrolled in the study. The prevalence of underweight and stunting in pre-school age children were assessed using the SD classification based on the 2007 World Health Organization (WHO) child growth standards. The BMI classification wa