Abstract:
The prevalence and factors influencing growth retardation of children of six month to three
years among low income families in Kotte MOH area were studied. Data collected by
anthropometry were analyzed to find the prevalence of growth retardation. The results were
presented acceding to Water low and Gomez classification. The prevalence of growth
retardation according to Water low classification was 44 per cent. This in terms of wasting
was 29 per cent, stunting 9 per cent and concurrent stunting and wasting 6 per cent.
According to Gomez's classification the prevalence of growth retardation was 41 per cent.
The association between certain factors and growth retardation were studied. Wasting was
found to be associated with maternal /caretaker's knowledge on growth and nutrition
knowledge and also with short birth interval. There associations were statistically
significant. Stunting was shown to be significantly associated with maternal/caretaker's
knowledge on growth and nutrition and age of the child. None of the other factors studied
such as sex of the child parents education, parents literacy, breast feeding, introduction of
time of complementary feeding, birth weight, birth order, Infections, source of water supply,
latrine facilities did not show any significant association with any type of malnutrition
