Health and nutritional status of pre-school children in rural Tamil Nadu
Chandra, P.; Venkataswamy, G.
Indian Pediatrics 15(6): 499-504
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-6061 PMID: 721267 Document Number: 133873
The health of 843 preschool children was studied between January and March 1973 to plan a future comprehensive health programme. The children lived in 9 villages in the Thirupuvanam Community Block in rural Tamil Nadu. Anthropometric measurements showed that the mean weights for age were much lower than the Indian Council for Medical Research standards. The chest circumference measurements overtook those of the head circumference at 3 years old, whereas in the Indian standards this occurs at 18 months. Using Gomez's classification of nutritional status, only 6% of the children could be graded as normal; 22% showed the third grade of malnutrition. Results of clinical examinations showed that 8% had frank protein-energy malnutrition and 69% showed pallor; 34% showed signs of vitamin A deficiency of whom nearly 1% had early corneal involvement threatening their vision. Liver enlargement was observed in 35% of the children, 51% had current or recent episodes of diarrhoea and 58% respiratory infections. Active skin infections were present in 32% and 21% had roundworm infestation. A dietary survey showed that the staple food was rice, ragi and bajra. Only 3% of the children ate animal protein once a week because of economic restraints. With regard to immunization, 92% had been successfully vaccinated against smallpox, 17% had received the triple antigen and under 5% BCG or polio vaccinations. Of the children's parents 21% of the mothers and 55% of the fathers had had a primary education in Tamil.