Role of Maternal Body Composition and Associated Factors in the Nutritional Status of Under-Five Children of South India: Findings From the Comprehensive National Nutritional and Health Survey.

BACKGROUND: Insufficient dietary intake is a leading cause of undernutrition among children, leading to delayed growth, low weight, and low cognitive ability, leading to decreased potential and functional capacity. These effects are mostly irreversible. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Southern India to evaluate maternal body composition and socioeconomic factors, and to examine their impact on the nutritional status of children under five years. METHODS: A community-based study where 4166 individuals from 900 households were covered under CNNHS (Comprehensive National Nutrition and Health Survey) from 42 villages and 18 wards in a South Indian district. For the present study of 907 mothers and 996 children, socioeconomic, demographic, and anthropometric particulars were assessed for the risk of stunting, wasting, and underweight in children with maternal body composition indicators, where chi-square tests, logistic regression, and adjusted odds ratios were used. RESULTS: The prevalence of stunting, wasting, and underweight was 35.95%, 17.69%, and 31.7%, respectively, in under-five children. Underweight prevalence in children is associated with maternal body composition, like maternal height, weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, body mass index, and body fat percentage. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that maternal and child health indicators, such as mean height, weight, and body composition metrics, were linked to the nutritional status of under-five children. The prevalence of stunting, wasting, and underweight varied by age group, with significant associations found between these conditions and socioeconomic factors like household income, sanitation, and maternal education. Maternal characteristics, including height, weight, and body mass index, were strongly associated with children's nutritional outcomes. Logistic regression analysis also highlighted that lower maternal education, weight, and height, as well as inadequate household facilities, were also associated with the risk of stunting, wasting, and underweight in under-five children.