A sample of 60 girls i.e. 30 living in destitute homes of Ludhiana and Jalandhar (E gp) and 30 living in home environment (C gp) belonging to low socio-economic group of Ludhiana were selected. The average per capita income in C gp was Rs.428/month, whereas in E gp authorities of Red Cross spent Rs.500/month on each girl. Iron deficiency anaemia was highly prevalent in 46.6 and 86.5% in E and C groups, respectively. The mean values of Hb was 11.14±0.75 and 10.02±0.96 g/dl, respectively. The mean values of PCV, RBC count, serum minerals (iron, zinc, copper and manganese) were higher in E gp as compared to C gp. The intelligence quotient (IQ) level was intellectually superior in E gp than C gp. It was observed that IQ had significant (P£0.05) correlation with serum iron, the value of ‘r’ being 0.4. It was seen that better health, haemopoetic, serum mineral and intellectual status in E gp was due to higher intake of all essential food items provided by Red Cross and people as a charity. However, majority of the subjects in C gp were undernourished as their parents were unable to provide food in adequate amounts due to poverty and big family size. The perusal of the data clearly indicated that attention should be given towards improved nutrition and small family norms.
Destitute Home, Haemopoetic, Home Environment, Intellectual
