Dietary diversification of rural women labourers: A pilot study in Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh

Nutrition and diet play a significant role in promoting and maintaining good health throughout the life cycle. A diet that includes foods from multiple food groups is essential for proper growth and development. As a normal balanced diet must include daily foods from the various food groups in sufficient amounts to meet the needs of an individual and to increase immunity. As a part of my research, pilot study was undertaken to assess the dietary diversity and nutritional status of rural women labourers in Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh. As dietary diversity is recognized as a crucial component in ensuring adequate intake of all nutrients which significantly enhances the nutritional outcomes. Data was collected with interview schedule from 50 physiologically fit non-pregnant, non-lactating rural women labourers of reproductive age group (15–49 years) who are actively engaged in farming activities along with household chores. In the present investigation dietary assessment was done using dietary intake survey and frequency of food consumption by 24-hour recall method. Physiological characteristics including anthropometric measurements related to nutrition like height, weight, mid upper arm circumference (MUAC), calf circumference (CC) and Body Mass Index (BMI) of respondents were recorded using standard procedures and equipment’s. From the study, the results revealed that majority of the respondents had medium and low dietary diversity with 42 and 40 per cent respectively, as they were primarily consuming foods from cereals, pulses, oils/fats, vegetables, milk and milk products, and sweets. On the basis of BMI, majority 54 per cent of respondents were undernourished with a BMI of less than 18.5 kg/m². It is well known fact that insufficient food intake leads to low BMI and Chronic Energy Deficiency. The area showed a prevalence of low dietary diversity, which was attributed to a combination of factors including lack of awareness and limited availability and accessibility of fruits and green leafy vegetables. Based on the findings of the study, interventions on promotion of diversified food among the rural labourers. Creating awareness and promoting self-sufficiency in altering dietary habits and lifestyle choices within their immediate surroundings can significantly enhance nutritional security. This can be achieved through initiatives such as kitchen gardening and integrating gender perspectives into nutrition interventions.