Anthropometric Characteristics and Nutritional Status of Primary School Children in Fatehabad City in Haryana

Under nutrition is a major public health problem among school going children. Adequate nutrition is critical for optimal growth, health and development of children. The objective of the present study was to assess the prevalence of underweight, stunting and wasting among school children of Government primary schools of Fatehabad city of Haryana. A total of 350 students were included in the study from primary schools in Fatehabad city of Haryana and nutritional status of the children was assessed by anthropometric measurements. Students aged 6 -12 years were included in the study. Weight and height of the children were measured and height-for-age (stunting), weight-for-height (wasting) and weight-forage (underweight) were calculated. Out of 350 school children, 262 children (74.75 %) were found be malnourished. Grade I malnutrition was most common (44.47 %) followed by grade II (28.28 %) and grade III (2 %) malnutrition. Wasting was found in 61.43 % children (65.16 % girls and 58.46 % boys) out of which 0.58 % children showed severe degree of wasting. Stunting was found in 36.86 % children (37.44% girls and 36.13 % boys). This study provided evidence that school children in Fatehabad city were under acute and chronic nutritional stress. Promoting appropriate dietary habits through effective nutrition education is an effective preventive method. Main focus should be on qualitative and quantitative improvements on the diets (increased intake of energy, protein, micronutrients) with increased awareness on importance of preventing under nutrition.