Physical Health Status of Children of Kinnaura Tribe in Himachal Pradesh

The objectives of the present study were to assess the physical health status of children aged 6 months-6 years. The study was conducted in two blocks, viz., Kalpa and Nichar of district Kinnaur of H.P. From both block 20 villages were selected randomly and from these villages 250 children in the age group of 6 months-6 years were selected. A self-structured interview schedule was administered that included the background information, items on physical health status and anthropometric measurements were taken. Data were quantified using frequency tables and also percentages were calculated. Data were further analysed statistically by using t- test to find out the differences of anthropometric variables between the male and female children. The results show that (79.2%) were born full term. More than half (55.6%) of children were weighted after birth. Majority (71.9%) of the children whose birth weights were recorded were in the weight range of 2.5-3.5 kgs. (29.2%) did not give first milk to their new born. (31.6%) of children whose weaning age was found to be 4 months. About half (53.2%) of respondents were being visited after their birth by the health workers at home. Mean calculated height of male respondents (8.1 months-1 year) was quite less than the NCHS standard. Similarly mean height of children of 5.1-6 years was also less than the NCHS standard. significant difference in head circumference was found for male and female children in the age range of 8.1 months -1 year, 1.1-2 years, 3.1-4years and 5.1-6years Highly significant differences were observed for the head circumference of male and female children in the age ranges of 8.1 months-1 year, 2.1years-3years at 5%level and 1% level of significance respectively.