Impact Of Food Environment And Diet Quality On The Prevalence Of Low Weight In Children

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17595500

Abstract

Background: The first five years of life is a critical time for the growth and development of a child. Malnutrition, notably underweight (weight-for-age Z-score < -2 SD), remains a global public health concern, impairing immune function and increasing disease susceptibility. An unhealthy food environment and poor diet quality can lead to irreversible health consequences.

Objective: The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to assess the food environment and diet quality, as well as their impact on the prevalence of low weight in children from urban and rural areas of Okara, Pakistan.

Study design: It was across-sectional study.

Place and Duration of study: The study was conducted at District Public School located in an urban area and a government school of rural sector 2/4L, and from a middle-class community, Sidra Ghafoor town Okara.

Method: A structured questionnaire was developed to collect data on anthropometric measurements and diet quality from a randomly selected sample of 100 children. The anthropometric measurements were taken and compared to the WHO child growth standards for the assessment of weight-for-age z-score (underweight). The food environment was assessed for its affordability, accessibility, and availability of nutritious food, while diet quality was evaluated through indicators such as food variety, nutrient adequacy, and moderation.

Results: The obtained data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, and the relationship between the variables was assessed using the chi-square test. The results revealed an 18% prevalence of underweight cases. Food cost challenges affected 49% of households, and most underweight children (94%) belonged to these. It represented a strong relationship between the accessibility of healthy and a variety of foods and better weight status. The availability of food items was assessed, which showed that refined flour was widely available (91%), while nutrient-rich foods, such as dairy, were less accessible (67%). Children with low weight showed no significant association with cereal intake (p = 0.562). Animal protein consumption showed a significant impact, including chicken, eggs, and beef (p < 0.001), while mutton showed non-significance (p = 0.181). Dairy items, such as milk, yogurt, and butter, were also positively associated with a healthy weight (p < 0.001). Consumption of pulses and legumes was also significantly associated with the weight status of children. Processed foods showed a significant negative association as their consumption was linked to deviance from the normal weight.

Conclusion: The findings emphasized the improvement in the food environment and the quality of the diet of children under 5 years in order to reduce the prevalence of low and severely low weight.