ASSESSMENT OF NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF ANGANWADI CHILDREN

Abstract

Good nutrition helps to improve child survival, promote healthy growth and development and contribute to better cognitive development. This study aims to assess the nutritional status of Anganwadi children in Dantiwada Taluka. Study was done amongst 30 Anganwadi centers of Dantiwada Taluka selected by simple random sampling. A total of 300 children of age 2 to 6 years were enrolled in the study. All mothers/informants were interviewed, and anthropometric measurements such as weight, height, mid upper arm circumference (MUAC), chest circumference and head circumference were taken by using appropriate technique. Data were analyzed using SPSS and Pearson’s correlation to find the association between two qualitative variables. With respect to BMI-for-age, out of 300 Anganwadi children, the maximum number of Anganwadi children 61.30 per cent were normal followed by 35.30 per cent being underweight, 2.30 per cent were overweight and only 1.00 per cent were obese. A positive correlation was observed between the nutritional status of the children and the parents’ educational level and family monthly income.The study concludes that skill-oriented training must be imparted to mothers for effective utilization of locally available eatable materials to prepare nutritious and balanced dietsfor children, create awareness programme and educate them to improvetheir nutritional status further.