CALORIES & PROTEIN CONSUMPTION AMONG PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN IN RURAL AREA-A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Dr. Birajdar Shrikant Shivaji*, Dr. Keerthana C. and Dr. Ravindra Balaram Gurav

ABSTRACT

Background: The health and nutritional status of the children is a true reflection of the overall health and economic development of a country. In view of this, the study was planned to assess the daily consumption of calories and proteins by the preschool children in rural area. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in a rural area. 174 children between 2 to 6 years of age were included in the study using purposive sampling technique. Data of subjects was recorded in the suitable proforma. Dietary history elicited by 24-hour recall method, was taken by interviewing mothers. The calories and protein intake by the subjects was calculated as per the guidelines. The data was entered in the Microsoft Excel and analysed with the help of suitable statistical methods. Results: The mean age of the subjects was 4.31 years. The mean calories and protein consumption was 668.96 kcal and 20.71 gm respectively. The mean calories consumption of boys was 683.46 kcal and of girls was 654.46 kcal. All the subjects were consuming less amount of calorie. 80(45.98%) subjects were consuming less amount of protein. 92(52.87%) subjects were consuming excess amount of protein. Only 02(02.17%) subjects in age group of >4-6 years were having accurate protein intake. Conclusion: Inappropriate feeding practices among preschool children were noticed. The deficiency of these macronutrients has detrimental effect on nutritional and health status of children. Nutritional interventions, health education, good access to health services and utilisation of health care will help in this situation.

Keywords: Calories, Protein, Preschool Children, Rural Area.