Developmental Status of Urban Preschoolers in Relation to Food Intake
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Date
2021-01
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CCSHAU, Hisar
Abstract
The present study was conducted in Hisar district of Haryana state to assess the developmental
status and food intake of urban pre-schoolers and to determine the impact of food intake and sociopersonal
variables on developmental status. Hundred preschool children of 3-6 years age (55 boys and
45 girls) from four preschools i.e. preschool laboratory I.C. College of Home Science, Little angel play
school, Small wonder public school and Kids care play school of Hisar district were selected randomly.
Developmental status of preschool children was assessed by using checklist of various
developments designed by UNICEF India and Centre for Early Childhood Education and
Development (CECED) Ambedkar University, Delhi. Nutritional status of children was assessed in
terms of dietary assessment, 24 hour recall method was used and anthropometric measurement
(height and weight) were taken. Results indicated that majority of respondents belonged to general
caste (51.00%) category followed by backward (30.00%) and scheduled caste (19.00%). Majority of
respondents (48.00%) belonged to small size families. Majority of respondent’s mothers and fathers
were educated up to graduate/PG. Majority of respondent’s fathers (54.00%) were engaged in service.
More percentage of the respondents (49.00%) had monthly income above 3 lacs. Mean daily intake of
cereals, pulses, milk and milk products, roots and tubers, green leafy vegetables and fruits were found
significantly lower than their respective RDIs. Mean daily intake of energy, protein, fat, calcium and
iron were also found significantly lower than their respective RDAs. Gender wise comparison showed
that mean daily intake of foods and nutrients were found higher in boys than girls. Socio-economic
variables such as family type, family income, mother’s education and father’s occupation had
significant effect on food and nutrient intakes of school children. Mean height and weight of boys and
girls were found significantly lower than reference values. Boys had higher mean values of all
anthropometric measurements than girls. As per weight for age, 51.00 percent of urban preschool
children were found in grade-1 malnutrition and 20 per cent in Grade-II malnutrition and no one was
found in Grade-III malnutrition. Results revealed a significant association of developmental status with
mother’s education, father’s education, father’s occupation, gender, family size, family type and family
income. Results revealed that dietary intake of preschool children were positively and significantly
associated with developmental status of preschool children. Therefore, there is an urgent need to
educate mothers of urban preschool children about the importance of balanced diet and promote the
consumption of micronutrients rich food stuffs in daily diet of the school children to improve their
nutritionally status.