A retrospective cohort study on evaluating the growth status of pre-schoolers attending Anganwadi – A pilot study

A retrospective cohort study was conducted in selected Anganwadies at Karkala to evaluate the growth status of the preschoolers attending Anganwadies. A Quantitative non experimental design was adopted for the present study. A retrospective cohort survey approach was adopted in the study. Structured demographic proforma and Growth chart were used for evaluating the growth status of pre-schoolers attending Anganwadies. The Anganwadies were selected using purposive sampling and the study sample was selected using convenient sampling. The sample size was 20 preschoolers who are completed at least 1 year in selected Anganwadies. It was observed that 8(40%) of them were attending Anganwadies for more than one year and 12(55%) preschoolers for more than 2 years. The study revealed that attending anganwadies can improve the growth status of the children as all the three malnourished (at the time of admission) study participants attained normal growth status within one year of attending anganwadies. The ICDS program initiated by the government of India is a effective measure to improve the nutritional status of the preschoolers. Adequate focus should be given to improve the services rendered through the anganwadies.