A Descriptive Study to Assess the Nutritional Status of School Going Children in A Selected School of Delhi

Abstract

Introduction: Among the leading health problems in India is malnutrition. Malnutrition results in weak immune system and growth and cognitive delay. A descriptive study was conducted to assess the nutritional status of school going children in the age group of 6 -13 years in a selected school of Delhi. Methodology: A total of 211 children were selected through purposive sampling technique. Structured questionnaire and a record sheet were used to collect the data. Height, weight and Blood Pressure of children were measured by using inch-tape, weighing scale, sphygmomanometer respectively. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to interpret the data. Result: Out of 211 school going children, 144 (66.2%) were in the age group 6 to 9 years and 67 (31.8%) were in the 10-13 years age group. In the age group of 6 to 9 years, 140 were underweight and 1 was overweight and rest 3 had normal weight as per Basal Metabolic Index. In 10 to 13 years age group, 60 were underweight and 7 had normal weight. As per Waterlows’s classification, all 211 children had normal weight for age. As per Gomez classification of children, in 6 -9 years age group, 52 and in 10-13 years age group 20 had normal nutritional status respectively whereas rest of the children fell in degree I and II malnutrition. Conclusion: Children and their parents need to be made aware about healthy nutritional practices.