Identification of risk areas of malnutrition among school children (0-14 years) in Gujars community of Great Kashmir Himalayas

Abstract

The present research work was carried out on the identification of Risk Areas of malnutrition among school children (0-14 years) in the Gujjars community of Great Kashmir Himalayas. Nutrition intake was examined in comparison to ICMR recommended dietary allowances (RDA). The weight of all sample children was measured and compared with ICMR (Indian Council for Medical Research) standard and then categorized into different nutritional grades. Data regarding the prevalence of nutrition deficiency diseases were also obtained during the field survey. The composite index method was employed for the categorization of sample villages in risk areas. The investigation reveals that variation in the availability of nutrients in the diet has badly affected the health of school children and leads to malnutrition. Grades of malnutrition vary with altitude and the majority of sample villages of higher altitudinal zones of E and F were areas of I and II category of risk and thus are areas of very high and high priority. Suggestions have been made for the improvement of the nutrition status of children from 0-14 age group in the risk areas