Factors influencing the intrafamily distribution of food among agricultural labourer families of Thiruvananthaapuram with special reference to the nutritional status of girl children
Loading...
Files
Date
1993
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Department of Home Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani
Abstract
A study was carried out to identify the factors influencing the intra family distribution of food among agricultural labourers with special reference to girl children. Knowledge of girl children about their own food and nutrient requirements were also assessed. A total of 100 agricultural households with boys and girls were selected for the study.
Data on socio-economic status of the families showed that families had an average income of Rs.1280/- and adult members were moderately educated. Expenditure on food was mainly on cereals, flesh foods, milk and oils seeds. Male members, adults as well as boys often got preference over female members in the family when food was apportioned.
An attempt was made to categories the families based on the scores obtained for selected socio – economic variables.
While serving protective foods like pulses , leafy vegetables and milk, preference was shown to male adults and children. Consumption of pulses, milk, leafy vegetables, other vegetables and fats were inadequate in all age groups with much prominence in female. Energy and riboflavin were more deficient in the diet of adults. Protein , fat and riboflavin were deficient in the diet of adolescent female. Protein and iron were deficient in adolescent males. Diets of children were found to be deficient in calcium, iron and B Vitamins.
The food consumption pattern of adults were significantly associated with family size, type and variation in gender. The former two were also significantly associated with food consumption pattern of children. Food consumption pattern of adolescents were significantly associated with gender variation alone.
Results on analysis on actual food consumption and nutritional pattern of adolescent boys and girls (13 to 15 years) showed that girls were consuming most foods especially expensive food in lower quantities than boys. Nutrient consumption was also lower among girls that boys, except in energy and iron. Anthropometric measurements of boys were better than girls except in height. BMI and haemoglobin levels in boys and girls did not very much. Overall nutritional status of boys were much better than girls.
Work participation rate was higher among adolescent females compared to males. But adolescent boys had better education and economic independence. Mean food intake of different foods were higher among adolescent males than adolescent females. Compared to R.D.A., greater deficiency of all foods was observed among adolescent females. All families preferred boys in the provision of foods, money and education.
Assessment if the views of 20 adolescent girls of 13 to 15 years showed that they were well aware of their food and nutritional requirement. But no significant association was seen between their views and the socio-economic status in which they are placed.
Description
PG
Keywords
null