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Open Access
Food consumption pattern of rural house-holds below poverty line as influenced by food subsidies distributed through fair price shops
(Department of Home Science, College of Agriculture,Vellayani, 1994) Priya Gopinath R; KAU; Prema L
A Study on the food consumption pattern of rural household below poverty line as influenced by the food subsides distributed through fair prices shops was taken up to evaluate the socio – economic and personal characteristic of the beneficiaries, daily food consumption pattern and contribution of food subsidies available through fair price shops on their daily diet. On the basis of their participation in public distribution system 120 households of 4 groups with 76 to 100 percent participation , 51 to 75 percent participation , 26 to 50 percent participation and less than 25 percent participation were selected for the study. All the house holds surveyed were more or less in similar socio economic back ground. Present of the monthly income in all the four groups was incurred for food especially for cereals. It was also found that percentage cereal expenditure was increasing from group 1 to group4. Among the house holds in the four groups more percentage of house holds were spending less than ten percent of their total food expenditure for purchasing food ration. A comparison among four groups revealed that percentage of ration expenditure against total food expenditure was low in group 1 and this was gradually increasing from 1 to group 4. All households in the four groups were found to include rice, sugar, coconut, milk, spices and condiments and oil every day. Rice , wheat, sugar and oil were purchased from fair price shops. Rice and oil distributed through this shops were not adequate for the households and hence open marker services were utilized. House holds under groups 1 were found using the ration cards regularly in every week and households in group 4 were not in the habit of purchasing ration regularly. The beneficiaries had favourable views about the quantity and quality of food subsidies supplied through this system. Food consumption pattern of all households in 4 groups in revealed that the food consumption of households were better in group 1 than the house holds in other 3 groups. But the diets of all the four groups were below the recommended daily allowances. Nutritional status of different age groups was ascertained in the 20households selected (10 each from group 1 and group 4). It was found that clinical scores based on various deficiency diseases was higher for family members belonging to group 2. Teethcarries and spongy bleeding of gums were common among the children of the two groups of the house holds. Haemoglobin level was below average in adult females and adolescent females in both the groups. The present study gives an indication that public distribution system has positively influenced the regular beneficiaries and prolonged implementation of the programme is one of the methods to achieve sufficient health profile for the population in below poverty line of the country.
Open Access
Quality parameters of certain pre-release cultures of rice developed at regiopnal agricultural research station,Pattambi
(Department of Home Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1992) Neelofar, Illyaskutty; KAU; Prema, L
“The quality parameters of certain pre – release cultures of rice developed at Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS) Pattambi” were determined by assessing their nutritional composition, physical characteristics, cooking characteristic, as well as organoleptic qualities with Red Triveni as check. The effect of processing methods was also taken into consideration. The nutritional composition of pre – release rice cultures, with reference to calories, starch, protein, ash, calcium, phosphorus and iron were found to be high when compared to Red Triveni. The calorific value, and iron of the parboiled rice samples were also found to be higher. Among the physical characteristics all the pre – release rice cultures were observed to have low values for thousand grain weight and grain dimension, unlike for head rice yield and gelatinization temperature. A decrease on all the physical characteristics except thousand grain weight and head rice yield was observed in samples parboiled. Compared to Red Triveni pre – release rice cultures had obtained lower values for cooking characteristics such as optimum cooking time, elongation index, gruel loss and water uptake and higher value for elongation ratio, volume of expansion and amylose content. As a result of parboiling, optimum cooking time, and elongation ratio were found to increase and there was a decrease in elongation index, gruel loss, volume of expansion, water uptake, amylose content due to parboiling. The flour volume of all the pre – release rice cultures was comparatably high when compared to Red Triveni. Parboiled rice cultures had low flour yield when compared to raw cultures. The increase in batter yield after fermentation was more for Red Triveni when compared to the pre – release rice cultures. Acidity value for all the pre-release cultures were low when compared to Red Triveni. All the pre – release cultures were more acceptable as cooked rice (raw). Parboiling had a negative influence on cooked rice mainly because of less acceptable appearance and colour. Puttu was more acceptable for all the quality attributes in all the rice cultures including Red Triveni. Red Triveni was less acceptable because of its reddish colour. For idiappam, the quality attributes colour and appearance had obtained less score for Red Triveni, cultures 8770 and 871. Iddlimade from parboiled rice obtained lower score for the attributes colour, appearance and texture for all the cultures. Red Triveni had batter texture than all the cultures.
Open Access
Food preference and dietary habits of adolescents among agricultural laboures
(Department of Home Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1993) Mony Paul, E; KAU; Mary, Ukkuru
A study entitled food preference and dietary habits of adolescents among agricultural labourers families was undertaken to assess the socio economic personal characteristics food consumption pattern food preferences and the nutritional status of adolescents boys and girls. Majority of the families surveyed belonged to Hindu community and were under privileged. The families were nuclear type with medium size. Father was the main bread winner and major share of the income was earned by the male member. The per capita income of majority of families were found to be between 100 to 200. All the surveyed adolescencts were found to be well educated. All of the surveyed adolescents were non vegetarian cereals, vegetables, roots and tubers, milk fish fats and oils , sugar and jiggery and spices were found to be high frequently used foods among the adolescents. Pulses and fruits were medium frequently used foods . Green leafy vegetables meat and egg were low frequently used foods among them. Cereal based preparation were liked by both adolescents boys and girls. They liked fried foods and sweet preparations. Adolescents most preferred foods were found to be egg, apple, grapes, plantain, sapota and cashew nuts and low preferred foods were ragi, raddish, bittergourd , ivy gourd, star gooseberry and watermelon. Food preference of adolescent boys and girls were not found to vary very much. Factors such as total income of the family, type and size of family, educational status of adolescents and their parents, and the influence of peers were not found to influence the food preferences of the studied adolescents. Consumption of cereals, and fish met above the recommended dietary allowances (RDA) and nutrients such as protein , energy thiamine and niacin was met above 90 percent of RDA in adolescent boys and girls apart from vitamin C in adolescent girls. Weight for age and height for age of the adolescents were below the NCHS standard as well as Indian standards. Anaemia, pigmentation of skin , dental caries were the most common clinical manifestations in both adolescent boys and girls. Normal haemoglobin level was observed only in negligible adolescents. Nutritional status of adolescent girls were found to be better than adolescent boys in the present study.
Open Access
Nutritional status and dietary habits of irulas of Attappady
(Department of Home Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1993) Indira, V; KAU; Prema, L
A study on the nutritional status and dietary habits of Irulas of Attappady was carried out among 180 families to assess the socio-economic and food consumption pattern of the tribal families and also to assess the nutritional status of the children between the age group of 5 to 15 years. The results of the study indicated that majority of the families were of nuclear type with an average family size of 4.73. Agriculture labour was the main occupation of the tribes and most of the families were below the poverty line. Housing conditions and personal hygiene of the families were found to be poor. Irula tribes in general, were habitually non-vegetarians. Major expenditure of the family income was incurred for food especially cereals. Diet was found to be monotonous with less variety. Two –meal-a-day pattern was the standard system followed by the families, which included cereals, fats and oils and spices and condiments. Boiling was the predominant cooking method followed by the Irula tribes. Gunny bags were used to store cereals and pulses. Tribal families followed certain food restrictions during illness and special food were not included either in the diet of pregnant of lactating women or in the diet of children. Prolonged breast feeding and late weaning was practiced by the Irula tribes. The nutritional status of the children between 5 to 15 years of age was deficient and it was revealed in the anthropometric measurements like height, weight, mid upper arm circumference and skinfold thickness. Food weighment survey revealed a deficient intake of all foods except cereals. The intake of most of the nutrients was low. Low to medium nutritional status was observed among most of the children and birth order of the boys was found to influence their nutritional status. Anaemia was the most important clinical symptom observed among children which was reflected in the biochemical examination of blood for haemoglobin RBC count and packed cell volume. Sickle cell anaemia and parasitic infestations were observed among the children. The respondents had a favourable attitude towards the developmental programme implemented by various agencies to improve their health status. However awareness about health and nutrition was found to be poor.
Open Access
Nutritional status of women engaged in fishvending in Thivandurm district
(Department of Home Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1993) Karuna, M S; KAU; Prema, L
The study on the “Nutritional status of women engaged in fishvending in Trivandrum District” comprises of the socio-economic and food consumption pattern of the fisherwomen families with special reference to their actual food intake, energy expenditure and nutritional status. Families surveyed were nuclear type belonging to under privileged communities. Main occupation of the families was fishing and fishvending. Most of the families belonged to the income groups of Rs.1000 to 2000. In these families as the income increased the percentage of income spent on food items decreased. Expenditure on education and health was very low. Male members spent much money for their faulty habits like alcoholism and playing cards. Most of the families were in debts and only women were responsible for the economic management of the families. Index developed from various socio-economic variables revealed that all the families lived below the poverty line. All the families were non-vegetarians and fish was the main nonvegetarian food in their diet. However, consumption of vegetables, pulses, eggs and green leafy vegetables was less due to lack of knowledge about nutritious food. Preparation of food is not upto the standard and this results in the poor quality of the food. Unbalanced, monotonous meal pattern was observed in the community. Compared to other stages of life, special attention was given only during infancy and pre-school period. Besides fishvending women were responsible for household tasks and child care practices. The women got employment for 7 months in a year. Most of the women sold the fish either in the markets in the city or by home to home delivery. Income getting from fishvending was not in proportion to the distance covered. Time spent for fishvending activity was more than the time they spent for other activities. Most of the household activities were combined with fishvending activities. It was found that total time spent for fishvending and household activities was more than 10 hours in a day. Time spent for fishvending activities was positively associated with family income, age of the fisherwomen and income of the fisherwomen. Compared to recommended daily allowance, higher energy expenditure was noticed in all the fisherwomen studied. Majority of the women were below the normal weight. Body Mass Index of the women showed that 33.33 percent suffered from energy deficiency. Nutritional status index was developed from height, weight and body mass index. The index developed ranged from 14.04 to 18.58. A highly significant positive association was observed in between nutritional status index of the women and their height, weight, BMI, Index developed from socio-economic factors and their energy expenditure. Clinical examination of the fisherwomen revealed that 95.33 percent of the women were suffering from any one of the nutritional deficiency disorders. Consumption of food quantity and availability of nutrients from the food were not satisfactory. The nutrients like energy, calcium, iron , retinol, thiamine , niacin and riboflavin and Vitamin C were deficient in their diets. As a result nutritional deficiency symptoms were more prevalent among them. Energy expenditure was more than the intake of energy. Blood constituents like haemoglobin, total protein albumin and Vitamin A were deficient in many of the women studied. From the above findings it was concluded that the nutritional status of the fisherwomen was found to be affected by geographic, environmental and disease factors.
Open Access
Food consumption and energy expenditure pattern of agricultural labourers of Trivandrum district
(Department of Home Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1992) Laisamma, Cherian; KAU; Prema, L
The study comprises the socio economic and food consumption profile of the families of agricultural labourers with specific reference to their actual food intake, energy expenditure and nutritional status. The samples surveyed were nuclear type families belonging to under previlaged communities. Family income was directly propotional to the number of persons employed in the family. As the income increased, the percentage of income spent on food decreased majority of the labourers were free from debt and were conscious of saving for future. Families surveyed were non vegetarians by habit. Rice, tapioca, fish, coconut, locally cultivated vegetables, milk, cooking oils and sugar were the main items included in their daily diets. Home production of food articles helped to improve the consumption pattern of the families qualitatively but not quantitatively. Majority of the labourers followed unscientific culinary practices in cooking and storage of food articles. Unbalanced, monotonous meal pattern was observed among the families. Compared to other stages of life, special attention for feeding were given only during infancy and preschool period. No special foods were given during adolescent period or for women during pregnancy and lactation. Irrespective of the nutritional requirements of the family members, first preference was given to the head of the family while serving food. The labourers selected were getting employment for 24 days in a month and their health status was satisfactory. Besides outside employment, female labourers were fully responsible for household works and child care practices. Compared to female labourers, unhealthy habits were prevalent more among males. Because of the outside employment of the mother growth of the children were adversely affected. Consumption of food quantitatively and availability of nutrients from the meal were not satisfactory in the two groups surveyed. The nutrients like retinol, thiamine and riboflavin were deficient in the diets of male agricultural labourers, while iron, retinol and riboflavin were deficient in the diets of female agricultural labourers. In the two groups energy expenditure was more than energy intake. Haemoglobin level was better among male labourers. The data when statistically analysed, indicated a significant correlation between height and weight and nutritional status Index (NSI) and Body Mass Index (BMI) for male labourers and BMI and weight and BMI and energy expenditure for female labourers. Significant correlation developed in the Nutritional status Index (NSI) of male agricultural labourers
Open Access
Food consumption and energy expenditure pattern of self employed women in unorganised sector
(Department of Home Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1990) Sujatha, A S; KAU; Prema, L
A study on the “Food consumption and energy expenditure pattern of self employed women in unorganized sector” was conducted to assess the socio-economic and food consumption and energy expenditure pattern of the women engaged in stone breaking. 150 household surveyed were representing scheduled caste and other backward communities. The families were of nuclear type with four members in the family. Rice, tapioca, fish and coconut were found to be the major ingredients in their daily meal pattern. No special foods were provided during physiological conditions. On an average they engaged in stone breaking for about 8 hours / day and for 5 to 6 days in a week. Time spent for various activities viz. for personal care, child care and leisure was not adequate. The difficulties imposed on these home makers due to the dual role were improper care of the family, inability to cope with the household work and lack of time for child care. Due to economic reasons they engaged in stone breaking even during pregnancy till term and after delivery most of them took their children to the work site. Their actual food and nutrient intake was found to be unsatisfactory which was reflected in their low body weights and prevalence of many nutritional disorders especially anaemia. All the women were found to have a negative energy balance. Knowledge of these women on health and nutrition was found to be satisfactory and statistical analysis indicated that age had a negative significant correlation and education had a positive significant correlation with the knowledge of the women regarding food and health. Attitude of the women towards this occupation was found to be positive since this was considered to be a solution to the unemployment problem. Statistical treatment of the data revealed that age has a negative correlation and educational level of the women had a a significant positive correlation with the attitude of women towards this work.
Open Access
Impact of pre-treatments and processing on the shelf life quality of papaya products
(Department of Home Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1994) Sheeja, N; KAU; Prema, L
The present investigation was undertaken to study the influence of pretreatments and processing on the shelf-life quality of papaya products. The papaya squash, jam and candy developed were found to satisfy the FPO recommendations. The pretreatments administered were blanching, sulphiting, exposure to sulphur fumes and immersion in citric acid solution. An analysis of the proximate composition of the three products revealed that moisture and sugars were high in squash and jam pretreated with sulphur fumes while candy pretreated with citric acid solution was high in acidity, sugars and carbohydrates. The organoleptic evaluation of the fresh products indicated that squash was most acceptable. The pretreatement with sulphur fumes was affective in improving the appearance and colour of all the three products. The shelf-life qualities of the three products were assessed periodically for one year. Periodical testing of stored papaya squash showed little variation in acid soluble ash, specific gravity and pulp content. Negative results were obtained for fermentation test and mold content. The periodical testing for acidity, reducing sugar, total sugar and TSS in squash showed an increase during storage, while pH and overall acceptability decreased with storage. The monthly evaluation of papaya jam revealed that storage at low temperature was effective in retaining the quality. Among the pretreatments, products prepared with fruits exposed to sulphur fumes showed the maximum shelf –life period (84 percent) compared to control (43 percent) which showed the least shelf – life. The periodical evaluation of papaya jam indicated negligible changes in bulk density. Acidity and reducing sugar showed an increase while pH and overall acceptability decreased with storage. The microbial evaluation of jam revealed that the main causative organism were bacteria, yeast and mold. The pretreatment with sulphur fumes was effective in preventing the microbial attack. At the same time the refrigerated samples were found fresh even after one year. The analysis of the shelf – life period of papaya candy revealed that pretreated refrigerated samples had a longer shelf-life of more than one year than control. At ambient conditions. Samples processed fruits from exposed to sulphur fumes had the highest shelf – life period (75 percent) compared to the control (34 percent) which was the least. The periodical evaluation of candy showed only negligible variation in bulk density. Acidity and reducing sugar was found to increase while pH and overall acceptability showed a decrease with storage. The microbial evaluation of the damaged product revealed that the major causative organism were yeast and mold. The shelf-life evaluation of the products indicated that the refrigerated samples gave quality products compared to that at ambient condition. All the refrigerated samples showed a slower rate of change in the chemical constituents. The evaluation of the three products revealed that pretreatment with chemical compounds, especially with sulphur compounds produced a better effect both qualitatively and orgnoleptically. Pretreatments attempted in the study indicates the advantages of there procedures with respect to the shelf – life qualities of the products. Among there pretreatments, exposure to sulphur fumes process to be the most ideal one, is a very simple technology which can easily be adopted moderately educated farm women.
Open Access
Food consumption pattern of selected farm families in Thiruvananthapuram district
(Department of Home Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1993) Jayantha Kumari, S; KAU; Mary, Ukkuru
The study entitled food consumption pattern of selected farm families in Thiruvananthapuram District was conducted among the farm families in Venganoor Panchayath, Thiruvananthapuram. It was found that majority of the families were Hindus and belonged to fore ward community. Nuclear type small sized families characterized these farm families. Majority of the families were found to have pre-adolescent and adolescent aged children and majority of the family members, irrespective of the land holdings had medium level of education . Majority of the members of the smaller holdings were employed as casual labourers and in bigger holdings, many of them were found to be government employees or private employees. Higher monthly income was observed among the families of larger holdings so also increased the contribute of total income. Expenditure pattern of the families revealed that, the major expenditure for food, and the percentage of income spend on food decreased in the families of larger holdings. All the families irrespective of the land holdings were found to save a portion of their income for future use. Agricultural practices of the farm families indicated that coconut, fruits and some vegetables are grown in their farms. In addition , the families of larger holdings were found to cultivate paddy. Many the farm produce were found to be utilized in these families. Major share of the food budget goes for the staple food articles in the families of smaller holdings. The money incurred for the purchase of pulses, vegetables, roots & tubers was found to be comparatively less. Fish was found to be a delicacy for all the groups of families. Most frequently used food items were cereals, vegetables ,fish, milk and sugar in all the four categories of surveyed families and majority of them followed three meal pattern families of larger holding were found to include better food combinations for daily meal pattern. Simple cooking methods were adopted in the surveyed farm families and majority of the families were not found to preserve foods when there is a surplus. Foods provided during different stages of life cycle indicated that, for infants, all the categories of families were found to provide special foods. Where as families of larger holdings provide special foods for pregnant and lactating mothers. Family size was found to be correlated in the expenditure pattern on foods viz cereals in all the groups of land holdings. Weight for age profile of the members of the farm families indicated that majority of the adults and adolescents were below the prescribed standard. Based on the grades of malnutrition, majority of the adult members belonged to normal groups where as majority of the male and female adolescents were in grade I malnutrition. Compared to male members, female members were found to be healthier. Average height for age profile of the adult male was 164.8 and that for female was 154.7 cm and adolescents belonging to all the four groups of land holdings were below the prescribed standards. According to Body Mass Index, majority of the male and female members were also found to be in the normal group of chronic deficiency and majority of the adolescents belonged to surveyed families were moderate type of chronic Energy Deficiency group. Actual food intake of the members of the farm families revealed that, cereals, pulses, fish and fruit consumption was appreciable in adolescents and in adult members, cereals, fish and fruit consumption was satisfactory. Intake of all the other food groups viz vegetables, green leafy vegetables, milk roots & tubers were below the standard prescribed. Energy intake of the adult male members were below the RDA and except in group I adult female, energy intake was sufficiently met. Protein intake was insufficiently met in the adults belonging smaller land holdings and also in male adolescents. Adolescents such as iron, B-Complex were met satisfactorily in adult males where as it was insufficiently met in adult females. Average nutrient intake of adolescents were found to be below the recommended allowances in all the four groups of land holdings. Nutrients such as iron, B-complex were met satisfactorily in adult males were as it was insufficiently met in adult females. Average nutrient in take of adolescents were found to be below the recommended allowances in all the four groups of land holdings. Clinical examination of the farm families revealed that, both adult and adolescent females were found to be free from the clinical manifestation of deficiency disease except in the case of anaemia in females. Vitamin A, B-Complex deficiencies dental caries, thyroid enlargement were some of the clinical symptoms of adults and adolescents of the farm families. Majority of the female members were found to have low haemoglobin levels than male members. Nutritional Status Index indicated that size of land holdings does not have much affect on the Nutritional status Index of the members of the farm families.

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