| Description |
Malnutrition is a major health risk that affects nearly 50% of children in India. The state of Punjab has been termed the "breadbasket" of India because of its massive agricultural production. Despite this, children throughout Punjab still suffer from high rates of malnutrition. The purpose of this study is to provide a baseline for malnutrition among children (ages 0-5) in 9 rural villages in the Fatehgarh Sahib District of Punjab. Weight and height were measured for children throughout the nine villages. This data was analyzed using WHO Anthro Software to determine malnutrition based on four indicators: weight for age, height for age, weight for height, and BMI for age. Among all children surveyed (n=463), 53% were found to beat risk or underweight according to the weight for age indicator. Results were also compared to demographic factors including: gender, school, sibling and caste. Results indicate a need for further intervention measures. Possible solutions to this problem include community outreach and collaboration between local NGOs, district officials and village leaders; health and nutrition counseling; follow-up and referral services for malnourished children; and improving the role of the family in child nutrition (especially the role of the fa ther). |
