Malnutrition based on mid upper arm circumference and dietary consumption pattern of Lodha tribal children of West Bengal, India

Abstract

Background: Wasting, a form of malnutrition is a major public health burden in developing countries including India. Since, food and diet diversity have direct impact on nutritional status of children. The aim of the study was to assess the dietary consumption pattern and malnutrition based on mid upper arm circumference (MUAC) of Lodha tribal children of Paschim Medinipur and Jhargram districts of West Bengal, India.Methods: A total of 1043 Lodha preschool children (1-5 years) was selected for the present study. MUAC of the children was made and recorded by standard method. A questionnaire for 24-hour dietary recall method was applied to collect dietary information. Dietary diversity was calculated by standard techniques. All statistical analyses were performed by using Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) software.Results: The mean±SD of MUAC was 129.7±11.3 mm. The results showed that the mean MUAC increased steadily with the advancement of age in both genders. Prevalence of wasting based on MUAC in age-sex combined among Lodha children was 28.9%, of which 24.9% and 4.0% found to be moderate and severe acute malnutrition. The dietary intake of children was insufficient than recommended dietary allowance (RDA). The dietary diversity score (DDS) and Dietary serving score (DSS) of the children were very low. Pearson correlation analysis showed Mean adequacy ratio (MAR) had significant correlation with DDS (r=0.26, p<0.001), DSS (r=0.81, p<0.001), calorie intake (r=0.52, p<0.001) and protein intake (r=0.38, p<0.001).Conclusions: The dietary consumption of Lodha children was inadequate. This effort should be given to improve their nutritional status by nutrition education and nutrient sensitive farming including kitchen garden.

A Cross-Sectional Study to Assess the Prevalence and Factors Associated with Malnutrition among Under-Five Children of the Toto Tribal Community

“…DDS and DSS were very low for these Children. This is very similar to a study on Lodha children of West Bengal [29]. Children did not use to consume any healthy drinks due to their affordability but they consumed cheap fast food and junk food available in the market which may lead them obese in the future.…”

Assessment of Nutritional Status Among Adult Girls at Peshawar

“…20 MUAC is a reasonable method to assess the nutritional status of adults and the measurement is simply obtained by using measuring tape. 21,22 It is also used as a screening tool in conditions like famine and refugee crises. 23,24 In Pakistan, it is used in Thar, Thal and Cholistan where famine is simple to occur.…”

Assessment of under nutrition among under 5 tribal children in a rural area in West Bengal

“…In this study, the consumption of energy was low, for boys of 2-3 years (16.1%) and 4-5 years (11.9%), and girls of 2-3 yeas (19.2%) and 4-5 years (24.2%) as compared to RDA, similar to a study on Lodha tribe by Sabud et al . [ 7 ] which also shows low energy consumption where RDA for girls (1062 ± 85.4 Kcal) and boys (1055 ± 79.2 Kcal).…”

“…In our study, consumption of protein was low for boys of 2-3 years (25.2%) and 4-5 years (20.2%) and girls of 2-3 yeas (28.1%) and 4-5 years (20.1%) as compared to RDA in accordance with a study on Lodha tribe by Sabud et al . [ 7 ] had a low consumption of protein (17.92 ± 3.5%) in girls, (18.08 ± 3.1%) in boys as compared to RDA. Also our study shows, low fat consumption for both boys and girls, similar picture is revealed by other studies.…”

“…Also our study shows, low fat consumption for both boys and girls, similar picture is revealed by other studies. [ 7 ]…”