PREVALENCE OF UNDERWEIGHT CHILDREN UNDER 5-YEARS OF AGE IN THE ADOPTED BARANGAYS OF NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the “Prevalence of underweight children under 5-years of age of the adopted barangays  of Northwestern University (NWU)”. It utilized the descriptive approach. Cases are defined as underweight children under 5-years old. Controls are non-underweight  children matched by residency, sex, age, number of family member, ethnicity or life background, parents’ occupation and family income. It was also focused on the present Baseline Date-indicate date of weighing and measuring of the different adopted barangays as compared to the previous results.

Checklist on the demographic  profiles of the respondents and questionnaires  were provided and gathered

from the target clienteles with the company of the Barangay Health Workers. Structured interviews served as a supplement. Prior to the study, the researchers conducted 4 meetings for 2 months for the actual observation and assessment on previous health situations of the clienteles. The data gathering was conducted on a one- on-one to facilitate the activity and at the same time to clarify questions if ever some statements are not clear to the respondents. After thorough observations and interviews of health situations of children, the researchers assessed the over-all health condition of the clienteles using the Child Growth Standards of children under 5 years old and determined their condition which coincided with the standard. The researchers were also able to proposed several projects and actions addressing the eradication of underweight children in the adopted barangays of NWU. The support of NWU to the adopted barangays continued as health and other initiatives were carried on.