Articles Vol. 67 No. 9 25/09/2026

CURRENT STATUS OF UNDERWEIGHT BY AGE AND SOME RELATED FACTORS AMONG CHILDREN UNDER 5 YEARS OLD

Nguyen Thanh BInh, Nguyen Kim Khanh Tien, Nguyen Thi Hong Tuyen, Nguyen Van Lanh
DOI: 10.52163/yhc.v67i9.6664
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Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of underweight (weight-for-age) and identify some related factors among children under 5 years old.

Subjects and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study with analysis was conducted on 400 children under 5 years old. Data were collected through interviews with mothers or child caregivers using a pre-designed questionnaire, combined with anthropometric measurements. Nutritional status was assessed according to the World Health Organization growth standards (2006). Data were processed using SPSS software, using the Chi-square test with a statistical significance level of p < 0.05.

Results: Among the 400 children included, 50.5% were girls; the 24-59 months age group accounted for the highest proportion (59%). The prevalence of underweight (weight-for-age) was 7.3%, which was lower than stunting (height-for-age) (10.3%). No statistically significant association was found between underweight (weight-for-age) and the mother’s age, education level, or occupation (p > 0.05). The prevalence of undernutrition among children with birth weight below 2500 gr was 28.5%, which was significantly higher than in children with birth weight from 2500 gr and above (6.1%); the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.001).

Conclusion: The prevalence of underweight (weight-for-age) among children under 5 years old is 7.3%. Low birth weight is a statistically significant associated factor with underweight (weight-for-age) among children.

Keywords
Underweight (weight-for-age), children under 5 years old, low birth weight, associated factors.
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