Comparative Study of Nutritional Status of Preschool Children of Rural Area and Urban Slum

Malnutrition is a major public health problem in developing countries and in early stage of life affects growth and development of the child. The incidence and prevalence of malnutrition may differ among rural and urban population, due to a variety of factors.

The present study aims to assess and compare anthropometric indices and dietary habits among preschool children in a rural area and in urban slum.

A cross-sectional study was carried out to compare rural (n=40) and urban (n=40) children aged 2–5 years old from in and around Pune. Anthropometric indices weight-for-height (WHZ), weight-for-age (WAZ), height-for-age (HAZ) and mid-upper-arm circumferencewere used to estimate the children's nutritional status.

Prevalence of moderate wasting (WHZ<-2SD), severe stunting (HAZ<-3SD) and severe underweight (WAZ<-3SD) was higher in children from urban slums while prevalence of severe wasting (WHZ<-3SD) was similar in both the populations. Mid-upper-arm circumference (MUAC) revealed that 2.5% children in urban slums were severely malnourished (MUAC< 115mm) which was not detected among rural children, more over percentage of children at risk of malnutrition was also found comparatively more in urban population. Dietary assessment revealed no difference in the consumption of cereals, legumes, bakery products in urban and rural populations but urban population consumed processed foods, sweets (chocolates/candies) and tea, in addition.

The study would help to identify determinants for malnutritionand thereby appropriate measures to combat child malnutrition in rural as well as in urban set up.

Present study investigated the extent of malnutrition and differences in food habits among children from rural and urban setting.