Determinants of Child Malnutrition in Tribal Areas of Madhya Pradesh

A research study conducted in three tribal districts— Alirajpur, Barwani and Khandwa—of Madhya Pradesh, based on a sample of 294 women with their last child in the age-group of six months–five years analyses the status and determinants of malnutrition and child death. Despite certain infant and young child-feeding practices like colostrum feeding and early initiation of breastfeeding, the study finds that a high level of child malnutrition exists due to short period of breastfeeding, delayed initiation of supplementary nutrition, and poor activities under the Integrated Child Development Services. Moreover, the conversion of normal children to malnourished category and malnourished children to normal category put together indicates a dismal picture of ICDS as well as the health functionaries. Barring antenatal care services, other nutrition and health services for women were not found to be satisfactory. The malnutrition level of children has shown a strong association with the age of mothers at the time of marriage.