Nutrient Intakes of Children Residing in Squatter Settlements on Pavements and Along Roadsides in Jaipur City

Abstract

An upsurge of migrants from within and outside the state of Rajasthan has led to the springing up of squatter settlements on pavements and vacant plots along the roadsides of cities. People are forced to reside in the open due to lack of housing facilities. Migrants enter big cities in search of employment or to sell their goods. Such people squat on any available land and gradually seek access to basic amenities in their most meager forms. They subsist on low incomes. This influences their capacity to purchase food for their families thereby compromising the nutritional status of their children. A review of literature suggests that there is a paucity of data on the nutritional status of young children of families residing on pavements and squatter settlements along roadsides in big cities. Hence an attempt was made to get an insight into the dietary pattern and nutrient intakes of children of such families. (excerpt)