Role of Maternal Body Composition and Associated Factors in the Nutritional Status of Under-Five Children of South India: Findings From the Comprehensive National Nutritional and Health Survey

It is concluded that maternal and child health indicators, such as mean height, weight, and body composition metrics, were linked to the nutritional status of under-five children. The prevalence of stunting, wasting, and underweight varied by age group, with significant associations found between these conditions and socioeconomic factors like household income, sanitation, and maternal education. Maternal characteristics, including height, weight, and body mass index, were strongly associated with children's nutritional outcomes. Logistic regression analysis also highlighted that lower maternal education, weight, and height, as well as inadequate household facilities, were also associated with the risk of stunting, wasting, and underweight in under-five children.