Prevalence of protein energy malnutrition among Aganwadi children’s of Hubli, Karnataka

Abstract

Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) have been established by Government. of India under ICDS Scheme (1975) with the objective to improve the nutritional and health status of children in the age group (0-6 years). Only a few studies have been done to study the nutritional status of Anganwadi children. To access the prevalence of Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM) in Anganwadi children’s in urban pocket and to know socio-demographic correlates of PEM. The cross sectional study was done on 680 children’s from 30 Anganwadi centre’s of Hubli District, Karnataka. Prevalence of PEM is 49.1% and 29.4% of children are of grade I severity. Prevalence is more in Hindu, 50.5% compared to Muslims, 47.4% and it was observed that prevalence is more in joint family,53.1% than nuclear family, 44.8% and the difference is statistically significant. The study demonstrate high prevalence of PEM, may be due to less coverage and poor utilization of services from these Anganwadi centres. ICDS program needs to be accelerated and extended to reach these areas. Key Words: PEM, Prevalence, Anganawadi centres (AWCs), Hubli