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Nutritional status of scheduled caste pre-school children
1Department of Foods and Nutrition, College of Home Science, Rajendra Agricultural University, Bihar, Pusa (Samastipur) - 848 125.
Insights
Children from scheduled caste families exhibit severe malnutrition, including underweight and deficiencies in essential nutrients. Their poor health is linked to socio-economic factors and inadequate dietary intake.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Scheduled caste children often face health disparities.
- Protein energy malnutrition is a significant concern in vulnerable populations.
- Nutritional deficiencies can lead to various clinical manifestations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the nutritional status of scheduled caste pre-school children.
- To identify specific health issues and deficiencies prevalent in this group.
- To explore the link between socio-economic factors and nutritional status.
Main Methods:
- Anthropometric measurements were conducted.
- Clinical examinations were performed to identify signs of malnutrition.
- Dietary intake of nutrients was assessed against recommended allowances.
Main Results:
- All investigated children were underweight.
- Prevalence of protein energy malnutrition, night blindness, angular stomatitis, hepatomegaly, anemia, and spongy bleeding gums observed.
- Hemoglobin levels were below World Health Organization (WHO) standards.
- Nutrient intake (energy, calcium, iron) was below recommended dietary allowances (RDA).
Conclusions:
- Socio-economic environment significantly impacts the nutritional status of scheduled caste pre-school children.
- Urgent interventions are needed to address malnutrition and associated health problems.
- Improving access to nutritious food and healthcare is crucial for this population.
Abstract:
In the present study anthropometric measurements showed that all the children of scheduled caste families under investigation were under weight and suffered from protein energy malnutrition, night blindness, angular stomatitis, enlargement of liver, anaemia, spongy bleeding gum and a few cases of bow legs, polio and keratomalacia. The haemoglobin level was below World Health Organisation (WHO) standard. Their intakes of protective foods and nutrients such as energy, calcium and iron were less than respective recommended dietary allowances (RDA). Socio-economic environment is responsible for poor nutritional status ofscheduled caste pre-school children.
