Nutritional Status in 6-59 months Children and its Association with Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Practice in Panchapuri Municipality, Surkhet, Karnali Province, Nepal

Background: Childhood malnutrition is a critical public health concern in Nepal. The Karnali province is reported to have poor water, sanitation, and hygiene behavior. This study aimed to examine the association between safe water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) practice and nutritional status of children of Panchapuri municipality Surkhet, Karnali Province, Nepal. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was conducted among 6 to 59-month-old children in Panchapuri municipality Surkhet, Karnali Province, Nepal from July15,2020. to 1st August,2020 This study included168 households selected by using cluster random sampling and respondents were selected by using simple random sampling. Data were collected using a questionnaire from the parents, and observation checklist. The weights and heights of children were taken using a Seca digital weighing scale and a wooden height board respectively. Anthropometric analysis was done using WHO Anthro version 3.2.2 software and other statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 25 software. Results: Among 168 children the prevalence of wasting, stunting, and underweight is 4.8%, 12.5%, and 6% respectively. Most of the households (81.5%) had safe sources of drinking water whereas 18.5% of households were found to use unsafe sources of drinking water. The majority of households (62.5%) didn't use any methods of water purification before drinking or using the water for cooking purposes. All the households (100%) had toilets but 90% of households used improved types of toilets. Solid waste from about 80% of households was managed by burning whereas 6.5% of households threw the waste in an open place. Half of the total households managed the liquid waste in kitchen gardens whereas about 39% of households drained the liquid waste in rivers and streams and only about 11% of households drained wastewater in open places. Conclusion: Findings from this study finds out the importance of good WASH practices, and the potential of WASH interventions, to contribute to the better improvement in the nutritional status of the children living in Panchapuri municipality Surkhet.