Assessment of Nutritional Status of Children between 6 Months and 6 Years of Age in Anganwadi Centers of an Urban Area in Tumkur, Karnataka, India

OBJECTIVES: Nutritional status is the sensitive indicator of a child's health, and they constitute the most vulnerable segment of any community. Undernutrition causes a great deal of physical, mental, and emotional suffering. Anganwadi is a part of the Integrated Child Development Services program started to combat child hunger and child malnutrition. This study was undertaken to assess the nutritional status of the children (6 months–6 years) in Anganwadis and determine the sociodemographic factors associated with malnutrition and to assess their dietary intake. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was undertaken among 580 children in Anganwadis in the urban field practice area of a Medical college in Tumkur. RESULTS: In this study, the overall prevalence of underweight, stunting, and wasting was found to be 34.14%, 45.52%, and 35.52%, respectively. Age, socioeconomic status, immunization status, religion, and mother's education was associated with undernutrition. The deficient intake of calorie and protein was seen in 90% and 64.8% of the study participants. CONCLUSION: The present study showed that there is still a high prevalence of undernutrition among the Anganwadi children aged 6–72 months. Socioeconomic factors have a significant role in child nutrition, which manifests itself as poor development.