Quality assessment of nutritional components of Integrated Child Development Services provided in rural Puducherry

Abstract

Background: The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) is a large program started with the main objective of improving health, nutrition, and development of children. Over a period of 37 years, the system laid foundation for integration of health services to children. The three forms of nutritional benefits are hot cooked meal (HCM), take-home ration (THR), and ready-to-eat food. This made the utilization varies from place to place. To explore more information on the quality of nutrition provided by ICDS program, this community-based study was planned and undertaken in selected rural areas of Puducherry. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the nutritional components of ICDS schemes provided for under-five children in rural Puducherry. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in March, 2015 in 14 villages of Bahour Commune, Puducherry. A total of 27 Anganwadis were selected by simple random method. A checklist was prepared based on the guidelines issued by Government of India. Details regarding child’s attendance to the Anganwadi centre during past 2 months, number of days HCM were consumed by the child, THRs issued to the child, quality of food served, and relish of food among children was recorded. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 22.0 computer software. Results: The mean days of attendance of the children to the Anganwadi centre during past 1 month were 19 ± 3 days. About 83.7% of children attended more than 15 days in a month. In majority of the Anganwadis (81.5%), food was stored in safe place, free from rodents, and pests. In 77.8% of the Anganwadis, food was served to the children in a clean area, and in 70.4% of Anganwadis, safe drinking water was amenable. Overall, about half of the children (225) relished the food served. Conclusion: The quality of supplementary nutrition services in the ICDS centres was good. Attendance proportion of the children to Anganwadi centres was increased when HCM was served.