Determinants of Wasting Among Under-Five Children in Tea Gardens of Kalimpong–Darjeeling Region: A Multilevel Analysis

One of the most prevalent types of undernourishment among children worldwide is wasting. Wasting syndrome reflects poor nutrition and is marked by retarded growth in children. These malformations increase the risk of morbidity and mortality. Furthermore, wasting frequently recurs among the surviving children, possibly contributing to stunting and other forms of long-term disability. The present study aims to identify the factors associated with wasting among children aged less than 5 in tea gardens of the Kalimpong–Darjeeling region of West Bengal, India. The sample size for the study is 400. The study is based on primary data sources. Four sets of schedules were used for collecting data. Data on wasting were collected by measuring the weight and height of children. Bivariate and multivariate statistics are used to determine the potential risk factors associated with wasting among children. The analysis revealed that the risk of wasting was higher among younger children, children of illiterate fathers, and children from poor families and low living standards. The study suggests that in order to reduce the burden of undernutrition in the study area, community-based education and targeted nutrition intervention need to be addressed.