INTRA-FAMILY DIFFERENCES IN NUTRITIONAL STATUS BETWEEN PRE-SCHOOL AND SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN

ABSTRACT

Currently under- and over-nutrition are public health problems in Indian children. A community-based study in 3249 children was undertaken to assess the magnitude of intra-family differences in nutritional status between pre-school and school age children from urban low middle income families. Length/height and weight were measured; nutritional status was computed using WHO Anthro and Anthro Plus software. One-fourth of children were stunted, 1/5th underweight, 1/10th wasted and less than 5% were overweight. Prevalence of stunting, underweight and wasting was higher in children whose elder siblings were stunted, underweight or wasted. However, majority of the younger siblings of under-nourished elder siblings were normally nourished; majority of the elder siblings of undernourished younger sibling were normally nourished. In view of this, it is essential to screen all children, identify those who are under- or overnourished using BMI-for-age and provide appropriate interventions.