Abstract

LBW accounted for 15% of births in low and middle income countries. Rates of LBW are highest (26%) in southern Asia, which are twice those of sub-Saharan Africa. India accounts for approximately 40% of the world’s low weight births. Children who have had a diet which is insufficient in energy and nutrients relative to their needs end up in severe acute malnutrition. Children between the age group of six months to five years, who are admitted in the NRC, Department of Pediatrics with SAM are included in the study after obtaining consent from the parent or guardian. Detailed history about the mother, birth, feeding status, socioeconomic class are taken. In this study, it was noted that 87 (68.5%) children belong to lower class, 40(31.5%) children belong to upper lower class. This study found that socio- economic class is an independent factor that influences the occurrence of SAM.

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