NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF ANGANWADI CHILDREN (AWC’s) AND NONANGANWADI CHILDREN (NON-AWC’s) AGED 6MONTHS-5 YEARS

Abstract

Background: ICDS Projects is the landmark in the history of nutrition. Balamrutham is the weaning food introduced under ICDS to provide improved supplementary nutrition to children between 6 months to 5 years. Objective: The present study was conducted to assess the nutritional status and demographic factors associated with malnutrition among Anganwadi children and Non-Anganwadi children. Methodology: A community based cross sectional study was adopted. About 100 subjects, 50 Anganwadi children and 50 Non-Anganwadi children along with their mothers in Hyderabad city, were selected through simple random sampling. The data was collected through a direct interview questionnaire. The data obtained was compiled on an excel sheet and subjected to statistical analysis using chi square analysis, frequency, percentages, mean and standard deviation. Results: About 78% of Anganwadi children and 72% of Non-Anganwadi children were having normal BMI (Percentile), followed by 6% were borderline underweight, 10% AWC’s children and 18% Non-AWC’s children were underweight. AWC’s children had better mean, SD and t-values compared to Non-AWC’s children. It was also indicated that there is statistical significance between mothers education and occupation with respect to the child’s nutritional status. Conclusion: The present study clearly indicated that there is the prevalence of underweight and wasting in AWC’s children compared to Non-AWC’s.Thus, there is a scope of enhanced supplementary nutrition in forms of high proteins and calories. Keywords: Anganwadi centers, Balamrutham, ICDS, Stunting, Underweight, Wasting.