Prevalence of Protein Energy Undernutrition and Selected Micronutrient Deficiency Manifestations among School Children in Ariyur, Puducherry: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: India is the largest contributor of undernourished people in the world with around 14.37% of its population not receiving enough nutrition. The prevalence of malnutrition was 46.8%. Nutritional deficiencies in India contributed to about 0.5% of all deaths. This study, helps us to determine the prevalence and risk factors of protein energy undernutrition and specific micronutrient deficiency among school going children in a selected school of Puducherry. Methods: This is a cross sectional study conducted in school going children studying 5th to 10th standard in government and private high school in Puducherry. After getting consent from the parents, in-person interview was conducted, anthropometric measurement and head-to-toe examinations were done. Results: Among 428 participants, 28.7%, 15.2%, 11.4%, 0.7%, 13.1%,1.9%0.7%1.4%, 9.6%,9.6% 53% has Anemia, Riboflavin deficiency, vitamin C, Iodine, Fluoride excess, Fluoride deficiency, Zinc, Calcium and Essential fatty acids respectively. Among 428 participants, 56.1%, 8.4% were moderately stunted and severe stunted respectively. It was noted that height for age was statistically significant with Sex and age (p value < 0.05). Conclusions: Early detection of protein energy deficiency and nutritional deficiencies will aid in the development of our country in many ways since youngsters are the future foundations of our society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]