Assessment of nutritional status of children between 6 months and 6 years of age in Anganwadi centers of an urban area in Tumkur, Karnataka, India

Abstract

Objectives: Nutritional status is the sensitive indicator of a child's health, and they constitute the most vulnerable segment of any community. Undernutrition causes a great deal of physical, mental, and emotional suffering. Anganwadi is a part of the Integrated Child Development Services program started to combat child hunger and child malnutrition. This study was undertaken to assess the nutritional status of the children (6 months–6 years) in Anganwadis and determine the sociodemographic factors associated with malnutrition and to assess their dietary intake. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was undertaken among 580 children in Anganwadis in the urban field practice area of a Medical college in Tumkur. Results: In this study, the overall prevalence of underweight, stunting, and wasting was found to be 34.14%, 45.52%, and 35.52%, respectively. Age, socioeconomic status, immunization status, religion, and mother's education was associated with undernutrition. The deficient intake of calorie and protein was seen in 90% and 64.8% of the study participants. Conclusion: The present study showed that there is still a high prevalence of undernutrition among the Anganwadi children aged 6–72 months. Socioeconomic factors have a significant role in child nutrition, which manifests itself as poor development.

Nutritional assessment of children in the selected anganwadis in field practice area of RVM medical

“…Out of 76.4% children who received supplementary nutrition, majority 49.4% of the children were of normal height for their age. [7][8][9] Whereas in this study it was observed that 30% of children had moderate stunting and 12% had severe stunting.…”

A cross-sectional study of anthropometry and immunization coverage of Anganwadi children in a rural area of Karnataka

“…But the study reported a greater number of males (50.34%) than females (49.66%). [ 10 ] Children less than 6 months of age, who are still breastfeeding, are usually not present in the Anganwadi centers. Mothers of these registered children used to visit the anganwadis only to collect take-home rations.…”

“…in their study found the prevalence of stunting, underweight, and wasting to be 45.52%, 34.14%, and 35.52%, respectively. [ 10 ] Studies from Gadag[ 17 ] and Mangalore[ 18 ] also reported the prevalence of stunting ranged from 35% to 55%, underweight ranged from 24% to 60%, and wasting ranged from 11% to 60%. A study by Bhavsar reported 59.8% of children suffered from malnutrition.…”

Perímetro braquial como indicador del estado nutricional frente a otros indicadores antropométricos en niños menores de cinco años del Cantón Bucay-Ecuador

“…Juan Wiesnet, cantón Bucay, 2021 (33). asistieron a un hospital pediátrico de India entre los años 2020 y 2021, en este estudio se concluye que las niñas estaban más desnutridas que los niños y que la valoración nutricional continua con indicadores como el perímetro braquial puede ayudar a detectar a tiempo problemas de malnutrición y evitar afectaciones en el crecimiento y desarrollo en este grupo poblacional (23).…”