Attending Anganwadi Centers Research Articles

The prevalence of early childhood caries and treatment needs among children attending Anganwadi centers in Goa state: A cross-sectional survey.

The prevalence of early childhood caries (ECC) is widespread, as reported in studies conducted in various states across India. Many children residing in the rural areas attend Anganwadi centers for preprimary education, nourishment, and health care. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of ECC among children attending Anganwadi centers in the state of Goa and their treatment needs. The study was approved by the Institutional Ethical Committee of Goa Dental College and Hospital. The study was carried out in Anganwadi centers spanning the various districts and talukas of Goa state. The decayed, missing, and filled teeth (dmft) index was recorded in 3-5-year-old children along with treatment needs as per the modified WHO pro forma. Statistical software (STATA) for data science by StataCorp LLC (version 17), descriptive statistics, and Chi-square test. A total of 386 children were examined, out of which 47% had ECC. The prevalence of ECC was highest in Canacona and the least in Tiswadi talukas. The severity and occurrence of ECC were found to the proportional to age. With regard to treatment needs, 8.55% needed restoration of at least one surface, 10.88% needed restoration of 2 or more surfaces, 5.44% required a crown, 11.4% needed pulpal treatment, and 6.74% needed extractions. Within the dmft component, the percentage of decayed teeth was 46.89%, followed by filled (0.52%) and missing (0.52%) teeth. The prevalence and severity of ECC in children attending Anganwadi centers in Goa were found to be large and proportional with increasing age.

A Cross-Sectional Study on Nutritional and Morbidity Status of Children Attending Anganwadi Centers in Andhra Pradesh, India.

BackgroundThe health status of children is considered a very important and vital factor for building the future of a growing nation. So providing proper nutrition to the child is very important to enhance the growth of the child.ObjectivesThe present study is intended to assess the nutritional status and morbidity pattern of children attending Anganwadi centers.Materials and methodsThis community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in children in the age group of 3-6 years attending the Anganwadi centers. By using the simple random sampling technique 13 Anganwadi centers were selected and a sample of 381 children was selected as the study population. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 17 (Chicago: SPSS Inc). Ethical clearance was obtained from the institutional ethical committee (ECR/460/Inst/AP/2013/RR_19).ResultsThe overall prevalence of underweight, stunting, and wasting was 172 (45.2%), 243 (63.8%), and 79 (20.7%), respectively, according to the WHO-recommended classification. It was observed that a high prevalence of morbidity was of anemia, 125 (32.08%), followed by upper respiratory tract infection, 78 (20.48%).ConclusionThe present study shows that there are still many children who are malnourished and suffering from anemia in our country, even after 46 years of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS). As malnutrition is a complex and multi-dimensional issue, comprehensive studies regarding causative, aggravating, and associated factors leading to malnutrition are required to be studied, to know the problem in-depth, and formulate better health policies.

A Random Study to Assess Height, Weight and Bmi of Children Attending Anganwadi Centres in Urban Project Sectors of Trivandram District

Aim: To assess height, weight and BMI (Body Mass Index) of children attending anganwadi centers.
 Sample: Ninety children attending the anganwadi centers in the age group of two to six years were studied.
 Study Design: A random study was done to assess anthropometric measurements such as height, weight and BMI of children (2-6 years) attending anganwadi centers in the Urban 2 project areas of Trivandrum district, Kerala. Children were selected randomly from sector 1 and sector 4. Data collected were compared with the standard values to find the disparities.
 Place of Study: Sectors I and IV in the Urban II project areas of Trivandrum district in Kerala was randomly selected for study.
 Methodology: Height, weight and Body Mass Index of 90 children were collected and recorded. Data collected were compared with the standard values to find the deviation among the study population.
 Results: 80% of children attending the anganwadi centers were having greater than minimum height standards. Even though majority of children have a body mass index less than 5th percentile indicating the chances of malnutrition.
 Conclusion: Children having less than their minimum height and weight requirements requires special attention. Less BMI value indicates the presence of malnutrition and need proper care and attention.

Malnutrition and Household Food Insecurity in Children Attending Anganwadi Centres in a District of North East India.

Background:Child malnutrition is linked to household food insecurity. Literature reveals mixed results, but most studies were carried out in adults.Aims:The aim of this study is to assess household food insecurity and nutritional status in children attending Anganwadi centers (AWCs) of Dibrugarh district.Materials and Methods:Cross-sectional study among 510 randomly selected children attending AWCs in Dibrugarh was done. Data on nutritional status and food security were collected, and anthropometric measurements were recorded.Statistical Analysis:Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16. Categorical variables presented as percentages and differences between them tested using Chi-square test. Bivariate analysis was performed to find out independent risk factors.Results:The prevalence of stunting, wasting, and underweight was 39.8%, 26.1%, and 39.2%, respectively. Significant associations found between wasting, stunting, or underweight and household food insecurity. Stunting, wasting, and underweight were significantly associated with the literacy status of parents. Underweight and stunting were also associated with socioeconomic class.Conclusions:Malnutrition in all forms is common in the study population. Rates of stunting, wasting, and underweight were higher than the state average. Along-with access to food, an integrated approach that improves the overall socioeconomic well-being of families and parental education is needed.

A Study on Postpartum Depression and its Association with Infant Feeding Practices and Infant Nutritional Status among Mothers Attending the Anganwadi Centers of Valsad District, Gujarat, India.

Background:Systematic reviews on postpartum depression (PPD) suggest that PPD mothers are more likely to interrupt exclusive breastfeeding with inappropriate feeding practices resulting malnutrition in child. A community-based study was planned with the objective to find the risk factors associated with PPD and its possible association on infant feeding practices and infant nutritional status.Materials and Methods:This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 116 postpartum mothers attending Anganwadi centers under the Urban Health Training Centre and Rural Health Training Centre of Medical College. A purposive sampling technique was applied. Informed and written consent in local language was taken. Data were collected in predesigned, pretested, and semi-structured pro forma. The mothers were screened for possible PPD using the 10-item well-validated Edinburgh PPD Scale in Gujarati language. The cutoff point is score more than 10.5 based on previous studies. Infant's nutritional status and breastfeeding practices were assessed according to the WHO Growth Chart and Infant and Young Child Feeding guidelines.Results:(1) 6.8% of the prevalence of PPD was reported in the study; (2) sociodemographic factors such as relationship of mothers with in-laws/husbands, help at home in childcare, literacy status, age at marriage and first child, and own desired/in-laws of sex of child are found to be significantly associated with PPD. (3) The Association of PPD and poor nutritional status of child was statistically significant.Conclusions:The study highlights the need of screening for PPD in the community. The potential risk factors for PPD can be taken into consideration during routine antenatal/postnatal care and for planning of preventive strategies.

A clinical study of prevalence of ocular manifestations in malnourished children attending Anganwadi centers in urban slum areas

Aim: A clinical study of prevalence of ocular manifestations in malnourished children attending anganwadi centers in urban slum areas. Material & Method: A cross sectional study was carried out in Anganwadi centers of urban slum area, with children of age group 0 – 6 years. All children underwent detailed systemic and ocular examination and were graded for malnutrition according to IAP classification. The results were analysed statistically. Results: In our study the prevalence of ocular manifestations is 9.6% (50). Prevalence of malnutrition is 18.53% (96). Out of 96 malnourished, 56 children (58.33%) belong to grade I malnutrition, out of which 16 children (32%) had ocular manifestation, which is total ocular manifestation in all the grades of malnutrition. So, ocular manifestation in malnourished children is 32%. Overall ocular involvement was seen in 50 children out of 518 children examined, with overall prevalence of 9.65%. Thereis significant difference of ocular involvement between malnourished and wellnourished (p value – 0.017). Conclusion: Overall prevalence of malnourished children wasfound to be very less at anganwadi centers in our study. This may be probably due to the timely vaccination of children and the nutritional supplements being provided to them at Anganwadi centers through various national programmes.

A socio-demographic study on prevalence of undernutrition among pre-school children, under Rural Health Center, Santhiram Medical College, Nandyal, Andhra Pradesh

Background: Life of every human starts with infancy, childhood into adult life. During this process, childhood happen to be the most vulnerable phase associated with nutritional deficiency affecting the growth leading to morbidity and mortality. Malnutrition in pre-school children is considered most important indicator of the nutritional and health status of the country which is given top priority in National Family Health Survey- 4 (NFHS-4). Pre-school children in India have higher percentage of undernourished children and are 100th place among 119 malnourished countries in the world. The aims of the study were to assess the nutritional status of children aged 3-6 yrs in rural area attending Anganwadi centers under Rural Health Center, SRMC, Nandyal and to identify the factors associated with the nutritional status of pre-school children.Methods: Cross sectional study, area under Rural Health Center, Santhiram Medical College, A.P. Sample size for study is 161, calculated using Epi info-7 calculator. Study was carried during June 2017- July 2017 for a period of two months among 3-6 yrs children attending AWC under RHC, SRMC, Nandyal. Samples selected were based on using multistage random sampling technique. All the children were subjected to measure for body weight and their ages were recorded using Gomez classification based on weight for age. All the mothers were interviewed using pre tested questionnaire. The data compiled in excel sheet and later was analyzed using SPSS-22 version.Results: Total number of children between 3-6 yrs included in the study is 161. Female children (57.8%) outnumbered male children (42.2%) in the study. Undernourished children according to Gomez classification were falling in second degree with 77 (47.8%), followed by first degree 63 (39.1%). The age, mothers’ education and B G Prasad socio economic class-4 and class-5 with Under Nutrition were showing significant correlation showing p value less than 0.05. Conclusions: Mothers’ education and BG Prasad socio economic class is showing more influence on second degree and first degree under nutrition based on Gomez classification.

Prevalence of underweight among preschool children attending anganwadi in Kannur district, Kerala, India

Background: Child malnutrition is an important indicator of the nutritional and health status of a country. Preschool children call for focused attention in India because India has the highest percentage of undernourished children in the world. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of underweight among preschool children attending Anganwadi centers (AWC) in Kannur district, Kerala.Methods: Cross-sectional study done during July 2013- June 2014 among pre-school children (3-6 years) attending 44 AWC spread over eleven revenue blocks in the district. AWC were selected using multistage random sampling technique. Body weight of the children were measured and compared with WHO Growth standards. Mothers were interviewed using a pilot-tested semi-structured questionnaire. Data was entered in EpiData version 3.1 and analysis was done using the SPSS version 12.Results: The total number of 3-6 year old children included in the study was 456. The prevalence of underweight in the study population was found to be 17.3%. In this study, nutritional status of the child was found to have significant association (p<0.05) with the child’s birth weight and maternal educational status.Conclusions: Maternal educational status has a major role in prevention of underweight among preschool children. Child’s birth weight also influences their nutritional status.

Impact of oral hygiene training of anganwadi workers on improvement of oral hygiene in rural child population of Jammu and Kashmir

Background: In India, there is an inequitable distribution of skilled dental practitioners. 70% of the Indian population resides in the rural area, for which only 30% of dental facilities are accessible. Anganwadi workers (AWWs) are grassroot workers responsible for health. Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of oral health training on oral health status and habits of preschool children who were attending anganwadi centers (AWC) in District Bandipora of Jammu and Kashmir state. Materials and Methods: This comparison study was conducted in anganwadis of District Bandipora of Jammu and Kashmir state. The anganwadis caters to around 35,000 preschool children. The sample size for the study was determined to be 496 students by EPI-INFO WHO package. A total of 19 anganwadis were selected. All the children aged 3-6 years attending the selected AWC were included in the study. The AWWs were provided with oral health training. After baseline data collection, end line data (post-training) were collected after 3 months. Results: During pre-training, the prevalence of dental caries was found to be 51.4%. The mean decayed, missing, filled teeth were higher in 4-5 years age group (2.72) as compared to 5-6 years (2.53) and 3-4 years age group (1.53). Only 4.2% of the population reported to brushing twice or more daily before the training, which increased to 9.9% post-training. There was a decrease in debris (78.3-54.1%) and halitosis (42.9-23.2%). Conclusion: It is established by the study that imparting knowledge and skills to AWWs regarding oral health improves the oral health status among children and also inculcate positive oral habits among them.

Pre-lacteal feeding practices and associated factors in Himachal Pradesh

BACKGROUND: Prelacteal feeds are dangerous for newborn health and thus should not be given. Studying the enabling factors of this harmful practice can help determine ways of how to get rid of it. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study aims to assess the pattern of prelacteal feeding in a district of Himachal Pradesh and to study its predictive factors. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 mothers attending Anganwadi centers in Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were obtained by trained field investigator using a pretested interview schedule. In-depth interviews were held to find out the reasons for providing prelacteal feeds. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Data were analyzed using Epi Info software for windows (Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta). Logistic regressions were used to find out the adjusted odds ratios (AORs) for factors associated with the practice of giving prelacteal feed. RESULTS: The prevalence of prelacteal feeding was 49.5% (confidence interval [CI] = 42.5%–56.4%). In logistic regression analysis, living in joint family (AOR = 2.5, CI = 1.3–4.9) and higher socioeconomic status (AOR = 3.8, CI = 1.1–13.1) were positively associated with prelacteal feeding practice. Mothers who delivered by cesarean section were more likely to give prelacteal feeds to their baby (AOR = 3.4, CI = 1.3–8.8) as compared to those who delivered by normal vaginal delivery. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that prelacteal feeding is commonly practiced in both urban and rural areas of Shimla hills of Himachal Pradesh. Child health programs in the study area should use behavior change communication to decrease the harmful practice of giving prelacteal feeds to newborns.

Risk factors for predicting early childhood caries in Anganwadi children in Bangalore city: A cross-sectional study

Introduction: Preschool oral health is an overlooked aspect of childhood health and well-being. Early childhood caries (ECC) is an infectious and multifactorial disease of the childhood. Several factors play a role in the etiology of disease. Aim: To predict the risk factors for occurrence of ECC in children aged 3–6 years of Anganwadi centers. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study consisting of 3009 children aged 3–6 years attending Anganwadi centers of Bangalore South. Required and relevant information regarding feeding practices and oral hygiene practices were obtained. Multivariate regression analysis was performed for statistical analysis. Results: The prevalence of ECC was 31.4% with mean decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) of study population is 1.15 ± 2.28. Mean DMFT among males and females were 1.31 ± 2.48 and 1.01 ± 2.07, respectively. Habit of bottle feeding in the night (P < 0.001 and odds ratio [OR] of 1.32), in between meal, snacks (P < 0.001 and OR of 1.24) were the risk factors for caries in this study. Conclusions: The present study provides an insight regarding the risk factors involved in predicting ECC in children.

Dental caries and their treatment needs in 3-5 year old preschool children in a Rural District of India

Background:Dental problems in the preschool children are neglected by their parents as the deciduous teeth are going to shed off, and hence considered to be of no importance and more of economic burden if attended to them.Aims:This study was to determine the caries prevalence in preschool children (3-5-year-old) of rural Moradabad district, to analyze the specific pattern of dental caries experience in this population and to assess the treatment needs among them.Material and Methods:Children within the age group of 3-5 years attending Anganwadi centers of rural Moradabad district were included in the study. Caries diagnosis was based on decayed, extracted, filled surface (defs) and the treatment needs were recorded using World Health Organization (WHO) oral health assessment form 1997.Results:Out of 1,500 children examined, 48.7% males and 52.6% females did not require any treatment. The mean decayed, extracted, filled teeth (deft) value was found to be significantly high in 5-year-old participants when compared to 3-year-old participants (P < 0.01). Majority of the children required one surface filling followed by two surface fillings, caries arresting sealant care, extraction, crown bridge element, pulp care, and space maintainer.Conclusion:The most common pattern was pit and fissure, then maxillary anterior pattern, posterior proximal pattern, and posterior buccal lingual smooth surface pattern. The mean deft value was higher in males as compared to females. There is a greater need for oral health education among parents and teachers.

Micronutrient Deficiencies and Morbidity in Indian Rural Pre School Children

The investigation was undertaken with the objective of evaluating the impact of interventions (food and nutrient) on health status of preschool children at different intervals on withdrawal of interventions. 205 preschool children attending Anganwadi centers (functional unit of a national women and child welfare program) from rural areas near Mysore city, a district of Karnataka State, Southern India were enrolled. Nutrition and health status was assessed. Children were divided into five groups based on economic status with statistician's assistance for intervention. Each group constituted 30- 50 children. Two groups were supplemented with biscuits fortified with calcium, iron and vitamin A, another two groups received the fortificants in the tablet form on alternate days for a period of 6 months. One of the two groups in both the categories were priorly dewormed. One group served as control. The impact of the programme evaluated at the end of 6 months showed a reduction in the occurrence and duration of illnesses. On withdrawal of interventions, morbidity rates of all the groups reverted to their pre-intervention state but the extent of reversion was comparatively higher in the control group. A significant improvement in hemoglobin status, lowering of duration and incidence of illnesses at the end of intervention and deterioration of health status six months after withdrawal of interventions clearly demonstrated benefits of nutrient supplements.