Role of reorientation training in enhancement of the knowledge regarding growth monitoring activities by Anganwadi workers in urban slums of Delhi

Abstract

Early childhood developments constitute the foundation of the human development. Early years of the life are the most crucial period for the physical, mental, social, emotional, language development and lifelong learning. In a malnourished child, development of the milestones is delayed. Developmental delays are mainly observed in the areas like vision and fine motors, language and comprehension and personal social development. The delay was noticed to the extent of 7-11 months in these areas in different age groups.(1) In urban areas, nutritional status of the slum children is poorer than their counterparts in the rural areas.(2) Two-third of the preschool children in the urban slum are underweight. According to NFHS-2 of Delhi, 35% of children under 3 years of age are underweight and 37% are stunted.(3) Anaemia is the most frequent malnutrition among the children from the slum community.(4) ICDS scheme, in such scenario of health, occupies a significant place as an intervention in the socially and economically disadvantaged class of the society. The effective outcome of the nutrition services rendered through the Anganwadi centers (AWCs) depends on the knowledge of the anganwadi workers (AWWs) regarding growth monitoring (GM). A sound knowledge of the AWWs strengthens their skills and raises their capabilities to identify the children earliest moving towards malnutrition with the help of regular GM so as to take appropriate and early corrective action for further departure from good health. It also helps them as a teaching tool for empowering the mothers for preventive actions and better nutrition care of their children. Therefore, attempt has been made to discuss knowledge of AWWs about GM activities and the influence of reorientation training on their correct knowledge.