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RESEARCH ARTICLE | DOI: https://doi.org/dx.doi.org/NHA/PP.0003

Nutritional Status and Dietary Patterns in Early Childhood: A Cross-Sectional Study in Urban and Semi- Urban Communities

  • Maria Gonzalez 1*

  • David Kim 2

  • Aisha Rahman 3

1 Department of Public HealthNutrition, Central University of Health Sciences, Madrid, Spain

2 Department of Pediatrics, National Institute of Child Healthand Nutrition, Seoul, South Korea

3 Department of CommunityHealth, Institute for Global HealthStudies, Nairobi, Kenya

*Corresponding Author: Maria Gonzalez , Department of Public Health Nutrition, Central University of Health Sciences, Madrid, Spain

Citation: Maria Gonzalez, David Kim, Aisha Rahman (2025) Nutritional Status and Dietary Patterns in Early Childhood: A Cross- Sectional Study in Urban and Semi-Urban Communities. J. Nutrition and Human Health Advances 1(1): dx.doi.org/NHA/PP.0003

Copyright : © 2025 Maria Gonzalez. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original auth or and source are credited.

Received: 07 July 2025 | Accepted: 14 July 2025 | Published: 22 July 2025

Keywords: child nutrition, undernutrition, overnutrition, dietary diversity, anthropometry, early childhood health

Abstract

Optimal child nutrition isa critical determinant of physicalgrowth, cognitive development, and long-term healthoutcomes. This cross-sectional study assessed the nutritional status and dietary patterns among children aged 6 months to 5 years in selected urban and semi-urban communities. Data were collected through caregiver interviews, 24-hour dietary recalls, and anthropometric measurements. The study revealed a high prevalence of undernutrition (24.3%) and emerging trends of overnutrition (9.1%) in children, with significant variations based on socioeconomic status, maternal education, and community infrastructure. Dietary diversity was suboptimal in over half of the population. These findings underscore the dual burden of malnutrition in transitional economies and call for targeted interventions promoting balanced nutrition and caregiver education

Introduction

Child nutrition forms the foundation for a child’s health, growth, and cognitive potential. According to the World Health Organization, the first five years of life are critical for establishing proper eating habits and preventing both undernutrition and obesity. Malnutrition—whether due to nutrient deficiency or excess—continues to affectmillions of children worldwide, particularly in low- and middle- income countries undergoing nutritional transition. While global undernutrition rates have declined in recent decades, disparities remain. Concurrently, childhood overweight and obesity have risen, even in populations traditionally affected by food insecurity. This dual burden of malnutrition reflects shifting dietary patterns, urbanization, and evolving socioeconomic landscapes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional status and dietary habitsof children aged 6 monthsto 5 years in urban and semi-urban areas, and to explore associated sociodemographic factors.

Material and Methods


Study Design and Population

A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to April 2025 in two urban and two semi-urban communities. The sample included 600 children aged 6 months to 5 years, recruited from pediatric outpatient clinics, immunization centers, and local childcare institutions.
Data Collection 
Data collection involved three main components:

  1. Caregiver Interviews: Structured questionnaires gathered information on household demographics, income, education level, and feeding practices.
  2. Dietary Assessment: A 24-hour dietary recall was performed to assess food group intake, frequency, and diversity.
  3. Anthropometry: Weight and height/length were measured using standardized techniques. Nutritional status was classified according to WHO growth standards (stunting, wasting, underweight, overweight).

Inclusion Criteria

  • Children aged 6 months to 59 months
  • Parental or caregiver consent
  • Resident in the study area for at least 6 months

Exclusion Criteria

  • Children with chronic illnesses or congenital anomalies affecting growth or feeding
  • Incomplete data

Statistical Analysis
Descriptive statistics summarized demographic and nutritional data. Chi-square and ANOVA tests were used to evaluate associations between variables. Multivariate logistic regression identified predictors of malnutrition. A p-value of <0>

Results

The study enrolled 600 children, with 52% male and 48

Discussion


This study highlights the persistent challenges of child malnutrition, compounded by the emergence of childhood overweight in rapidly urbanizing regions. Undernutrition remains prevalent in semi-urban and lower-income households, where food access and maternal knowledge may be limited. Conversely, overnutrition is emerging as a concern in urban areas, reflecting shifts toward processed and energy-dense diets.
Dietary diversity is a critical measure of nutritional adequacy and was found to be suboptimal in more than half of the study population. This aligns with previous research indicating that children in resource-limited settings often consume monotonous diets lacking essential nutrients.
The association between maternal education and child nutritional status underscores the importance of empowering caregivers with knowledge and resources. Interventions aimed at promoting breastfeeding, timely complementary feeding, and avoidance of nutrient-poor snacks are essential.

Conclusion


The coexistence of undernutrition and overnutrition among children in this study reflects the complexity of nutritional challenges in transitional societies. Public health efforts should focus on enhancing caregiver education, promoting dietary diversity, and strengthening community-based nutrition programs. Continued surveillance and culturally adapted interventions are crucial for safeguarding child health during the formative years.

References

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