GROWTH PATTERN AND NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF PRESCHOOL CHILDREN OF PASCHIM MIDNAPORE DISTRICT OF WEST BENGAL

M. Giri and S. K. Dey*

ABSTRACT

To assess the growth pattern and nutritional status, to compared the relationship between socioeconomic statuses (SES) of preschool children (3-4 years) of Paschim Medinipur District of West Bengal. A cross sectional survey was carried out among 200 preschool children. Anthropometric measurement like height, weight, mid arm circumference, chest circumference and head circumference were measured. To determine the growth pattern following anthropometric indicator like Gomez classification and Water low’s classification were also be measured of the selected preschool children. Dietary nutritional status was assessed according to standard method. The results found that anthropometric characteristics like Weight and Chest circumference is significantly varied but Height, Mid-arm circumference and Head circumference are remain unaltered among both boys and girls belonging to high and low socioeconomic status. On the other hand, the Gomez classification is significantly lower in both boys and girls belonging to low socioeconomic groups but Water low’s classification is remain unaltered. The results reveal that preschool children belonging to high socioeconomic status consumed significantly higher amount of dietary nutrient compared to low socioeconomic status. The present study shows that nutrient intakes were lower among preschool children with low socioeconomic status in both sexes. Thus, mean anthropometric characteristics was lower in this group. Consequently, much more emphasis needs to be given to increase the nutrient of their diets especially among preschool children belonging to low socioeconomic groups.

Keywords: Growth pattern, Nutritional status, preschool children, West Bengal.