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Nutrition, health and psychosocial profile of institutionalized children
1National Institute of Nutrition, Indian Council of Medical Research, Hyderabad.
Insights
Institutionalized children often face nutritional deficits, including calorie and vitamin deficiencies, impacting their growth. While psychosocial development in self-help skills is supported, intellectual stimulation in institutions requires improvement.
Area of Science:
- Child Health
- Nutritional Science
- Psychosocial Development
Background:
- Institutionalized children represent a vulnerable population requiring comprehensive health and psychosocial assessments.
- Understanding the nutritional status and growth patterns of children in institutional care is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the health, nutrition, and psychosocial profile of institutionalized children aged 6-18 years.
- To compare the well-being of children across different types of institutions (Voluntary, Government Aided, Government run) in four Indian states.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 3,822 children from 70 institutions across Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and West Bengal.
- Assessment of dietary intake, anthropometric measurements (height, weight), and psychosocial development indicators.
Main Results:
- Children exhibited calorie, vitamin, and mineral deficiencies, though protein intake was generally adequate.
- Significant growth retardation in height and weight was observed compared to standard growth charts.
- Psychosocial assessment revealed limitations in intellectual stimulation but positive development in self-help, locomotion, socialization, and imagery skills.
Conclusions:
- Institutionalized children face significant nutritional challenges impacting physical growth.
- While certain psychosocial skills are fostered, institutional environments may hinder intellectual development, necessitating targeted support.
Abstract:
A study was undertaken to assess the health, nutrition and psychosocial profile of Institutionalized children in four States--Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and West Bengal. A sample of 3,822 children from 70 institutions in 6-18 years age group formed the subjects of the study. It was observed that the destitute children were mainly taken care of in three types of institutions, viz, Voluntary, Government Aided and Government run institutions. Calorie deficiency and deficiency of Vitamins and minerals characterized the diets of these children. In general, there was no deficit of protein in their diets. Growth wise, these children were retarded both in height and weight compared to standards. However, they fared better in comparison to their age and sex counterparts in the rural and urban poor. Psychosocial profile of these children indicated that the prevailing environment in the institutions is less conducive for intellectual stimulation but not so for the development of skills of self-help, locomotion, socialization and imagery.