Abstract

MALNUTRITION AMONG SCHOOL CHILDREN

A. J. Bhorgin Lourdu Mary* and M. Sathya Devi

ABSTRACT

Malnutrition continues to be a primary cause of ill health and mortality among children. Poor nutritional status during childhood is the determinant of ill health outcomes. In many cases, family dietary patterns can be particularly attributed to genetic factor and hereditary cultural factor. This study was designed to study the nutritional status and eating behavior of 8-11 year school going children. The study was carried out by using the tools to analyze the nutritional status and food consumptions pattern of children, self designed pretested questionnaire and Water Low classification was used to find out the nutritional status of children. Anthropometric data revealed that out of total children screened (n=50) according to nutritional status of height for age (stunted) 90 % of student was normal, 5 % student was mild. Same as nutritional status of weight for height (wasted) found that 50 % of student was normal, 36 % was mild, 14 % student was moderate. The result shows that the nutritional status of school- aged children is considerably not satisfying. Awareness regarding importance of good nutrition and dietary knowledge are important of nutritional status of school children. It is recommended that mother should be given awareness about healthy, locally available, low cost food for good health of their children. Knowledge regarding foods avail essential nutrients for proper growth & development and nutritious recipes must be given to the mothers & encourage them to indulge their children in good eating habits etc.

Keywords: Malnutrition, nutritional status, food consumption.