Socioeconomic determinants and dietary patterns associated with malnutrition indices among primary school children

Abstract

Malnutrition among school-age children receives less attention in India, as most nutrition programs focus on children under five years. Children studying in government schools may require additional nutritional support due to socioeconomic challenges and dietary limitations. This study assessed socioeconomic factors, dietary patterns, and malnutrition among primary school children in Ludhiana, Punjab. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 250 children (7–10 years; 125 boys and 125 girls) from government schools in Ludhiana. Participants were selected through purposive and random sampling techniques. Information regarding socioeconomic indicators was collected using a structured questionnaire and Modified Kuppuswamy Scale was used to assess socioeconomic status. Dietary intake was evaluated using a three-day 24-hour recall method. Anthropometric measurements were recorded, and nutritional status was assessed using WHO growth standards. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and multiple linear regression. The findings revealed that 73.6% subjects belonged to lower-middle socioeconomic class. The prevalence of severe underweight, severe stunting, and severe thinness was 4.4%, 2.4%, and 18.4%, respectively. The socioeconomic status was positively and significantly (p ≤ 0.05) associated with BMI- for age and accounted for 7.6% of variation among boys (R2 = 0.076). While, dietary factors were positively and significantly (p ≤ 0.05) associated with weight- for age and accounted for 3.2% of variation among total subjects (R2 = 0.032). The results highlight the need to improve diet quality, micronutrient intake, and nutrition monitoring among school-age children. School feeding programs should include more diverse and nutrient-rich foods. Among the malnutrition indicators assessed, thinness emerged as the most prevalent form of undernutrition and was associated with poor diet diversity and socioeconomic disadvantage among primary school children.