Determinants of stunting, underweight and wasting among children < 5 years of age: evidence from 2012-2013 Pakistan demographic and health survey

Abstract Background Childhood malnutrition is a critical public health concern in Pakistan. We aimed to explore factors associated with malnutrition in Pakistani children (< 5 years of age) using the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey (PDHS) 2012–2013. Methods Sample of 3071 Pakistani children aged 0–59 months from the PDHS 2012–2013, with complete anthropometric measurements were included in the study. Nutritional status was evaluated using anthropometric indices; height-for-age, weight-for-height and weight-for-age, as proxy measures of three forms of under-five malnutrition including stunting, wasting and underweight respectively. Uni- and multivariate binary logistic regressions were used to examine the association between selected maternal-socio-demographic and child level variables (such as child sex, age, size at birth, antenatal clinic visits, recent diarrheal incidence and breastfeeding status) and three proxy measures of child nutritional status. Results About 44.4% of under-five children were stunted, 29.4% were underweight and 10.7% were wasted. Children whose mothers lived in rural areas (aOR = 0.67, 95%CI 0.48–0.92), were aged ≥18 years at marriage (aOR = 0.76, 95%CI 0.59–0.99) and had visited antenatal clinic more than 3 times during pregnancy (aOR = 0.61, 95%CI 0.38–0.98) were less likely to be stunted. Mother’s low educational level (aOR = 2.55, 95%CI 1.26–5.17), short stature (aOR = 2.31, 95%CI 1.34–3.98), child’s small size at birth (aOR = 1.67, 95%CI 1.14–2.45) and mother’s BMI were significantly associated with child’s underweight status. Children whose mothers had no education were more likely to be wasted (aOR = 3.61, 95%CI 1.33–9.82). Conclusion The study suggests that most of the analysed factors that accounted for malnutrition in Pakistani children (such as mother’s age at marriage, educational level and mothers’ nutritional status) are preventable. Therefore, to reduce the burden of malnutrition interventions that can address these factors are required such as community based education and targeted nutritional interventions

Breakfast patterns in relation to physical activity among school adolescents in Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract Background Unhealthy habits and poor diet patterns are significant concerns among adolescents, impacting their overall quality of life. This study aimed to assess and improve these habits in adolescents. Methods This is a cross-sectional study conducted in 2017–2018 in Karachi. The research participants, aged 11–17 years, were drawn from lower-middle-income secondary schools using multistage random selection. Sociodemographics, the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A), and breakfast consumption were determined through questionnaire and a food frequency survey. Results A study of 334 school-going adolescents in Karachi, Pakistan, found that 82% consumed breakfast daily, with chapatti being the preferred choice (72.2%). Physical activity levels varied, but 56.6% engaged in regular activity. No significant differences were found in breakfast consumption by age or parental education. Conclusions Understanding South Asian adolescents’ breakfast habits is crucial. Promoting healthier breakfast options and increased physical activity are recommended for long-term well-being, with further research needed for targeted interventions

Does lifestyle behaviour trigger cardiovascular risk factors among school-going adolescents in Pakistan?

Objective: To explore the association of gender with risk factors for cardiovascular diseases among adolescents. Method: The cross-sectional study was conducted 2016-2019 in low-income schools in Karachi after approval from the ethics review board of Dow University of Health Sciences, and comprised adolescents of both genders aged 11-17 years. Anthropometric measurements and lifestyle behaviours were used to generate risk profile for cardiovascular diseases. Data was analysed using SPSS 16. Results: Of the 1195 subjects, 468(39.2%) were boys and 727(60.8%) were girls. The mean age was 13.9±1.6 years. Mean family size was 5.9±3.64. Overall, 989(91.3%) participants consumed soft drinks, 44(4%) were smokers, 340(48.4%) consumed betel nut, 215(32.9%) Pan, 125(21.2%) Gutka and 9(1.7%) Bidi. Of the total, 867(83.3%) participants were physically less active than recommended, and daily screen time was >2 hours among 513(45.7%) participants. Body mass index and body fat percentage were significantly higher among girls (p<0.05). Higher rates of diastolic and systolic blood pressure and hand grip strength were observed in boys compared to girls (p<0.05). Conclusion: Interventional programmes in schools should emphasise the need for healthy lifestyle behaviours, increased physical activity, good eating habits and smoking cessation. Key Words: CVD risk factors, Adolescents, Lifestyle behaviours, Micronutrients, Pakistan