Age-specific determinants of child growth among under-five children in Southern West Bengal, India

Background: Child growth is a key indicator of health and nutritional status, influenced by socio-demographic and feeding-related factors. Undernutrition is a consistent public health concern among under-five children in India. Objectives of the study were to assess age-specific variations in nutritional status and examine the role of socio-demographic and feeding-related indicator amid children aged 12–59 months. Methods: An observation based study was conducted among 662 children of age 12 to 59 months in Southern West Bengal. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, feeding practices, and feeding behaviours were collected using a predesigned questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements were used to assess nutritional status. Chi-square tests were applied to examine associations. Results: Wasting showed significant variation across age groups (χ²=18.618, p<0.005), with higher prevalence observed among older children. Socio-demographic factors such as father’s occupation (χ²=98.712, p<0.01) and family structure (χ²=41.609, p<0.01) varied significantly across age groups. Feeding practices indicated that feeding site (χ²=223.52, p<0.01), feeding problems (χ²=296.309, p<0.01), and self-feeding behaviour (χ²=8.623, p<0.03) differed significantly with age. Feeding in front of television or mobile devices was the most common practice, and a high proportion of children exhibited feeding problems such as limited appetite. Conclusions: Child growth is influenced by age-specific socio-demographic and feeding-related factors. Improving feeding environments and addressing feeding behaviours may play an important role in enhancing nutritional outcomes among under-five children.