Abstract:
Background: Nutritional status is an important indicator for measuring quality of life in children. A region that is
recovering from war will face many problems related to nutrition. Very few studies have addressed the nutritional
problems in school children. This study was undertaken to identify the prevalence of wasting, stunting and obesity
among school children from Northern Sri Lanka and associated socio-demographic factors.
Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was carried out using multistage stratified proportionate
cluster among healthy children attending schools in the Northern part of the country. Height and weight were
measured, and Body Mass Index (BMI) calculated [weight (kg)/Height (m) 2
]. BMI-for-age z-score (BAZ) and Height
for age Z (HAZ) scores were determined and WHO growth references were used to categorise the nutritional status.
Correlation between various nutritional problems with Maternal education, household income, number of family
members and the residential area was assessed.
Results: A total of 1012 children were recruited, and the mean age and standard deviation were 11.12±1.77 yrs.
Girls in the age ranges of 9–14 were heavier and taller when compared to the boys compatible with the pubertal
growth spurt. Stunting based on the height for age was seen in 10.9% of boys and 11.8% of girls. Wasting based
on BMI for age WHO standard (WHO 2007) was seen in 30.6% of boys and 29.1% of the girls. The prevalence of
overweight was 11% and Obesity was 6.3% of the population. Obesity was predominantly seen in boys (4.2%) and
it was significantly higher when compared to the girls (2.1%) (p < 0.001). Obesity in older boys (> 10 years) was
significantly more than the younger ones (p < 0.01). Maternal education and family income had a significant impact
on the prevalence of wasting, stunting and obesity whereas the family size contributed to the wasting and obesity
(p< 0.001).
Conclusion: Findings suggest that stunting, wasting, overweight and obesity are prevalent among 6–16-year-old
leading to concerns in public health. The nutritional status significantly varies according to the geographical
location, maternal education and the household income.
Keywords: Jaffna, Nutritional status, Obesity, Sri Lanka, Stunting, Wasting