Food Science Research Journal

Sushma Tripathi ¹, Archana Chakravarty ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Home Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi (U.P.), IN

Abstract

Malnutrition is major problem in India. Nutrition plays important role in development of growth and development of child. In many developing countries poor nutritional status is mainly due to illiteracy, poverty, least job opportunities etc. Poor hygiene, intestinal infection, worm infestation are another important groups leading malnutrition in India. Malnutrition affects physical growth, morbidity, mortality, cognitive development, reproduction and physical work capacity and it consequently impacts on human performance, health and survival. It is an underlying factor in many diseases for both children and adults. The present study was cross-sectional. The study sample (150) was collected by purposive and random sampling techniques. Maximum children were belonged to age group 10-15 years. Pretested and predesigned questionnaire was used in the survey. Measurements were taken by standard techniques (Jelliffe, 1966). Body mass index (BMI) for boys and girls was calculated by using formula BMI = Weight (kg)/Height² (m) according WHO. It was found that 88 per cent children were underweight, 12 per cent were normal and not a single overweight child was found. The daily food intake of school going children was lower than Recommended Daily Allowances (RDA).

Keywords

Malnutrition, Body Mass Index, Daily Food Consumption Pattern, Nutritional Status, Recommended Daily Allowance.

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Sushma Tripathi ¹, Vijay Lakshmi ¹, Archana Chakravarty ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Home Science (Food and Nutrition), Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi (U.P.), IN

Abstract

Malnutrition is widely recognized as a major health problem in developing countries. Growing children in particular are most vulnerable to its consequences. Cases with mild-to-moderate malnutrition are likely to remain unrecognized because clinical criteria for their diagnosis are imprecise and are difficult to interpret accurately. Malnutrition are one of the largest public health problems of our country. It is a condition which arises due to the deficiency of protein and calorie in the diet. Although it affects all ages, the results are drastic in childhood due to the highest requirements in that period. Malnutrition limits development and the capacity to learn. It also costs lives: about 50 per cent of all childhood deaths are attributed to malnutrition. In India, around 46 per cent of all children below the age of three are too small for their age, 47 per cent are underweight and at least 16 per cent are wasted. Many of these children are severely malnourished. The present study was carried out on 200 school going children in selected area of Varanasi by cluster and purposive random sampling method. Maximum children were belong to age group 10 to 15 years. Measurements were taken by standard techniques (Jelliffee, 1968). Pre-tested and pre-designed questionnaire was used in the survey. The present study is undertaken to evaluate the food consumption pattern of children and its relation with their BMI. Out of which 92.5 per cent were underweight and 7.5 per cent were normal. The daily food intakes of school going children were lower than RDA. The data revealed that wheat, pulses, rice and vegetables are consumed daily and on the other hand fruits, milk and milk product, oil and fats, sugar and jaggery are less consumed. Therefore, the method of preparation of some recipes are suggested for malnourished children. These recipes were evaluated by numerical scoring test and their nutritive value was determined by standard methods.

Keywords

Nutritional Status, Food Consumption Pattern, Body Mass Index.

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