Assessment of nutritional status of primary school children in urban field practice area, Vijayapura

Abstract

Background: Children are nature`s gift and fountain of life. They are future citizens and their health is nation`s wealth. There is a meaningful saying that ‘nation marches on tiny feet of young children and no nation without due love and attention paid to its children will lead to social and economic development. By promoting their good health we will be strengthening the development of the family, nation and world. As per National Family Health Survey IV, 38.4% children in India are stunted, 21% wasted and nearly 35.7% are under weight. Karnataka has a prevalence of stunting (36.2%), wasting (26%) and underweight (35.2%). The objective was assessment of nutritional status of primary school children of urban field practice area. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Maddy primary school located in Dorgalli, Urban field practical area, Chandabowdi, dept. of Community Medicine, Shri B.M. Patil medical college hospital and Research centre, Vijayapura. All children were assessed for nutritional status by taking anthropometric measurement like Height, Weight and also for nutritional deficiency disorders by detailed general physical examination. Analysis was done using frequency distribution, calculation of height for age, weight for age, weight for height and classified malnutrition according to IAP and Water low’s classification. Results: Around 57% of primary school children were found to be having less weight and/or height with respect to their age and sex. Conclusions: The present finding is going to affect the growth and development primary school age children who are more vulnerable for vicious cycle of malnutrition and infection. Regular monitoring of growth of primary school children and health education session for the mothers is going to be effective in prevention of malnutrition among the children.