(P02-048-25) Examining Childhood Malnutrition in Flood-Affected Districts of Baluchistan, Pakistan: A Household Level Nutritional Assessment Study in Children Under Two Years of Age

Objectives: This study assessed the prevalence and severity of malnutrition among children under two in the flood-affected districts of Usta Muhammad and Hub, Baluchistan, following the 2022 and 2023 floods.

Methods: A two-stage cluster sampling technique was used to select the clusters in selected union councils of the targeted districts and subsequently eligible households using systematic random sampling. Anthropometric data from all children aged 0-23 months in the selected household was collected. Nutritional status was assessed using the World Health Organization Growth Reference Standards 2016, including weight-for-age, height-for-age, and weight-for-height z-scores (WAZ, HAZ, and WHZ) and Mid Upper Arm Circumference measurements (MUAC) for identifying underweight, stunting, wasting, and malnutrition status, respectively.

Results: The survey collected anthropometric data from 3,257 children under the age of two from both districts. For stunting (height-for-age), nearly half of the children in Usta Muhammad (47.8%) and Hub (45.1%) were found to be stunted, reflecting chronic malnutrition in both districts. Severe stunting (HAZ < -3) was slightly higher in Usta Muhammad (25.3%) compared to Hub (23.2%). In terms of underweight (weight-for-age), more than half of the children in Usta Muhammad (54.1%) were underweight, while the prevalence was significantly lower in Hub (39.8%). Severe underweight (WAZ < -3) affected 28.7% of children in Usta Muhammad, compared to 17.9% in Hub. For wasting (weight for height), Usta Muhammad showed a higher prevalence (37.2%) compared to Hub (23.2%), indicating acute malnutrition. Severe wasting (WHZ < -3) was also more prevalent in Usta Muhammad (13.8%) than in Hub (8.1%). Finally, based on MUAC measurements, 38.4% of children in Usta Muhammad had MUAC < 12.5 cm, indicating severe acute malnutrition, compared to 17.5% in Hub.

Conclusions: These findings highlight severe nutritional challenges faced by children in both districts. This underscores the urgent need for integrated, multisectoral interventions that prioritize food security, equitable healthcare access, and mitigation of the long-term effects of climate-induced disasters on child nutrition. Tailored, district-specific strategies are vital to addressing malnutrition in these areas.

Funding Sources: Aga Khan Foundation and Gavi-The Vaccine Alliance