Impact of Working Status of Mothers on Nutritional Status of their Preschool Children from Selected Rural Areas and Urban Slums of Pune: A Preliminary Study

Abstract

Background: Women augment family income by working; however, this reduces the time for childcare and may adversely influence the nutritional status of children. Objectives: A preliminary study was conducted to assess the impact of mothers’ working status on the nutritional status of their preschool children (2-5 years). Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 80 mother-child dyads (40 each from rural areas, and urban slum of Pune). Information on mothers’ working status, socio-demographics, socioeconomics and food consumption pattern of children were collected. The children’s anthropometric indices, namely, Z-scores of weight-for-height (WHZ), weight-for-age (WAZ), height-for-age (HAZ) were estimated. Results: The study did not find any significant difference in the nutritional status of children with respect to the working status of their mothers. It was found that children of formally educated mothers had significantly higher mean Z-scores for WAZ(p=0.050) and WHZ (p=0.035)); children who received family-based childcare practice had higher mean WAZ(p=0.039) and WHZ(p=0.005), and children whose fathers were in skilled occupation had higher mean HAZ(p=0.040) scores. Children who frequently consumed chocolates and candies had lower mean HAZ(p=0.039) and WAZ(p=0.005), and used savories had significantly lower mean WAZ(p=0.045), and HAZ(p=0.019) scores. Conclusion: The present study indicates the importance of sociodemographic factors and the necessity for appropriate nutritional care for young children of working mothers.