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Food security among preschool children

E George1, A S Daga

  • 1Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Grant Medical College, Mumbai.

Indian Journal of Pediatrics
|August 25, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Food insecurity affects over half of preschool children in this study. Factors like low income and mother's education impact children's nutritional security.

Area of Science:

  • Nutrition Science
  • Public Health
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Food security is crucial for preschool children's development.
  • Understanding factors associated with food insecurity is vital for targeted interventions.
  • Previous research highlights socioeconomic determinants of nutritional status.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess food security status among preschool children.
  • To identify variables associated with food insecurity in this population.
  • To inform public health strategies for improving child nutrition.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study of 450 families with preschool children.
  • Food security assessed using 24-hour recall, 1-day weighment, and monthly food purchase inventory.
  • Statistical analysis included Chi-square and odds ratio to determine associations.

Main Results:

  • Only 42.6% of households and 54% of children were calorically secure.
  • Food insecurity was highest in the 48-59 months age group.
  • Associated factors included low per capita income, higher birth order, larger family/household size, lower maternal education, fewer than 4 meals daily, and insufficient pulse availability.

Conclusions:

  • Low per capita income, family size, and household size are linked to food availability and distribution.
  • Maternal education and meal frequency are critical for ensuring preschool children receive adequate nutrition.
  • Interventions should address socioeconomic factors and promote nutritional education for mothers.

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