Efficacy of Davanegere Mix on Nutritional Status of Preschool Children with Malnutrition - A Pilot Study

Abstract

Background: Nutrition is essential for human development and the focal point of health and well-being. It is accepted that the lack of proper nutrition leads to irreversible effects, endangering survival and development of the child. Aim: To assess effectiveness of Davanagere Mix on Nutritional Status of Pre School children with malnutrition. Materials and Methods: The study conducted using Randomized block design. 19 children (10 in Experimental Group and 9 in Control group) aged between 3 to 6 years attending Anganawadis of Aihole Village of Bagalkot District with mild or moderate malnutrition were selected by complete enumeration method as per the inclusion criteria. WHO Anthro software was used to screen the children for enrolment. The data regarding socio demographic factors was collected using structured interview schedule. Anthropometric measurements were done using standard techniques. Davanagere mix was administered for experimental group children for one months i.e weekly four days (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday). Whereas the parents of control group children were given with health education on nutritional supplementation to improve the children’s nutritional status Results: Findings shows that, there was a significant difference in post test scores of weight (t=2.491, P< 0.05) and mid upper arm circumference (t=3.947, P< 0.01) between experimental and control group subjects. Hence, Davanagere Mix was effective in improving the nutritional status of children with malnutrition in terms of gain in their weight and mid upper arm circumference. No significant difference was found between post test scores of height (t=0.540, P> 0.05) between experimental and control group subjects. Conclusion: Use of foods rich in protein is highly essential strategy to bridge the gap between growth of children and their nutrition. Supplementary feeding of infants and young children with good quality protein as ground nuts and Bengal grams nut flour is a cheap food protein, hence one of the best provisions is to treat malnutrition with Davanagere mixture. Keywords: Davanegere Mix, Nutritional Status, Preschool Children, Malnutrition