Case study of Anganwadi preschoolers: Nutrition, cognition and developmental milestones

Pages: 479-482
Ravneet Chawla (Department of Human Development & Family Relations, Government Home Science College, Chandigarh)

The study was done to investigate nutritional status of pre-schoolers from low and lower middle income purposively selected groups. The nutritional status was examined on the basis of 24 hour dietary recall method, by the calculation of protein and energy according to the ages of children (3-5 years) with regard to their eating habits of children. Height and weight were assessed according to WHO growth charts and according to the socio-economic status of children. Pilot study was done before the actual study. The sample (n=200, 100 preschoolers- 50 from each agency, 100 respective mothers) was taken from selected Anganwadi (A1) and from dedicated laboratory nursery school under the human development department of Government Home Science College (A2), Chandigarh. A self-designed questionnaire for assessment of nutritional status was used. Making of the tool included inputs from authors and from paediatrician from PGIMER, Chandigarh working largely in research dedicated to relationship between nutrition and overall development. Developmental profile-3 test was used to investigate the developmental milestones of children. StimQ test was used to investigate the stimulation quotient of children. The findings were concerning keeping in mind the urbanized well developed city in all its aspects otherwise. The socio economic status of families of children is low. Overall nutritional status of children was not up to the norms followed (WHO & RDA as per Nutritive & Dietetics, India). However A 2 children scored better than those from A 1 .Caregivers and mothers of 100 children were interviewed to collect necessary information regarding indicators of nutritional status of children. The findings suggested correlation between energy, protein, developmental milestones and stimulation quotient. It further indicates that good energy and protein also positively affect Stimulation Quotient and Developmental Milestones. In other words, good nutrition is important for better mental development. Clinical signs were more evident in A 1 children. Nutritional status of boys was better than that of girls. The state needs to intervene soon on nutritional care and provide dedicated awareness programs and also closely watched supplementary meal schemes.