AN ASSESSMENT OF NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCIES IN SCHOOL GOING CHILDREN IN THE AGE GROUP OF 6 TO 12 YEARS

NUTRITIONAL STATUS AMONG SCHOOL CHILDREN

Abstract

Objective: Nutritional status is one of the most essential indexes in measuring the quality of life. The aim of this study is to assess the nutritional status among the school going children aged from 6 to 12. Introduction: Malnutrition leads to physical and psychological instability among children. Lack of nutrients during childhood leads to adverse health consequences in the adolescent growth spurt. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among the Government school students aged from 6 to 12 in Dharmapuri district. A semi structured questionnaire containing the variable such as demographic data, anthropometric measures and clinical manifestations was completed through
informed and written consent. Results: The nutritional status of observed children was 103 are normal, 88 underweight, 8 over weight and 1 obese. Among 200 students 123 of them had eye pallor, 67 of them had hair changes, and 66 of them had worm infestation. Fatigue, Angular cheilitis, Muscle cramps were 85, 49, 79 respectively. Tooth changes such as teeth mottled enamel, dental carries, bleeding gums were 89, 134, 79 (p<0.02) respectively. Conclusion: Healthy mind and body is the most important thing in the life. A healthy food habit is one among the reason for that. This study exhibited that nutritional deficiencies are more among the children in school going age in rural area. This in long time will affect their overall health. This is the correct time to ensure their health. Nutritional diet, proper oral hygiene has to be promoted
among them.