Comparative Evaluation of the Nutritional Status and Habits of Students Studying in Private and Government Schools in a Semi-Urban Town in India –Kumbakonam Urban Rural Epidemiological Study - KURES -1

Abstract

Malnutrition is a universal and an ever-rising problem due to changes in the lifestyle and eating habits among the children. The malnourished children are prone to illness. Hence, we planned to conduct a study in school children, both in Government set up and a private set up, to review their nutritional status and the influencing factors. Two thousand students in the age group of 8-17 years were interviewed for their food habits, asking them to fill up a proforma along with anthropometric measurements. Among the children interviewed 72% were malnourished, but only 0.06% were obese. The nourishment was significantly better in private school children but still 58% were underweight. There was a strong liking for fast food among children from both the groups. The playing time was less than an hour in a majority of students. Conclusion: There is an alarming census of underweight children in a semi-urban Indian town, but obesity is not that alarming, with an incidence rate < 1%. There is an urgent need to promote games among children of all socioeconomic status. A blanket ban on fast food items in the school campus is the need of the hour. Undernourished children form majority of students going to school in India. This includes children attending private paid schools. The incidence of obesity is still so low so that any community level action on the same is presently not needed in India.