A Cross sectional study on the Prevalence of Underweight among the children of Government Primary schools in Pulianthope Zone, Chennai 2012.

Abstract

Background Childhood is a period of rapid growth after infancy. Among children the nutritional requirements increase because the growth rate increases. One of the major Public health problems in many developing countries including India is widespread prevalence of under nutrition among Primary school children. Chronic under nutrition is associated with slower cognitive development and serious health  impairments, later in life that reduce the quality of survival. Early detection of the morbidities through regular survey helps in prompt treatment and prevention of serious complications. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of           underweight among the Government Primary School children in a zone of Chennai. Objective To assess the prevalence of          underweight based on Body Mass Index percentiles (NCHS CDC) among the Government Primary School children in Pulianthope zone of Chennai. Materials and Methods A Cross-sectional study was done among 320 Primary school children both boys and girls aged 6 to 10 years studying in I V stds in Government Primary schools in Pulianthope Zone, Chennai during August 2012. Multi stage random sampling was used. Anthropometric measurements like Height and weight were recorded. Underweight was defined as BMI 5th percentile for age sex (NCHS CDC 2000). Results The overall prevalence of  underweight was 54.3. It was higher among girls (63) than boys (47) and it was statistically significant. Conclusions Under nutrition is an important public health problem in many developing countries including India. This problem has serious long term consequences for the child and adversely influences development of a nation. To solve this emerging public health problem a strong multidisciplinary action to be implemented at school, community, State and National level. There is an  emphasis on the school health programs to focus on Health education on nutrition, Nutrition education to the parents and early detection as well as the treatment of under-nutrition.