Nutritional assessment among children (1–5 years of age) using various anthropometric indices in a rural area of Haryana, India

Global Nutrition Targets 2025 specified a set of six global nutrition targets, and one aim is to achieve a 40% reduction in the number of children under 5 years of age who are stunted. National data on underweight provided under National Family Health Survey-4 (NFHS-4) (2015–2016) revealed an underweight prevalence rate around 35.7% as compared to NFHS-3 where it was 42.5%, which reflects only 6.8% reduction in underweight over a decade. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the rural area of Rohtak district during October 2014 to September 2015 among children who were 1–5 years of age. The anthropometric measurement and nutritional status categorization among children were done using the WHO guidelines. Results: A total of 600 children participated in the study. Around 41.3% of the study participants had stunting as their nutritional status, while taking composite index of anthropometric failure (CIAF) for nutritional status into consideration, nearly 54.4% of the participants were undernourished. Stunting and underweight were more prevalent among girls. Conclusions: Composite anthropometric index provides the actual prevalence or proportion of undernourished children in a community, so the policies should be based on the basis of CIAF so to reduce the prevalence of undernutrition in the community more effectively.

Diagnostic dilemma in catching anaemia early

Anaemia is major health problem in our country and the foremost cause of disability. The non-specific clinical signs together with lack of knowledge among people are a hindrance for people seeking early care for this disease. Palmar pallor in children for diagnosing anaemia is anaemia has shown to have low sensitivity. Laboratory estimation of haemoglobin levels still are the diagnostic modality of choice in most primary care settings. There are numerous methods based on different principles to estimate haemoglobin. Each method has its own merit and demerit and has to be used appropriately based on that. Some methods like Hemoglobin colour scale have shown have good result to replace Sahli's method but more validation is required. HemoCue also can be used for secondary and tertiary care health institution. A strong political commitment and dedication is required for overcoming operational issues in early diagnosis of anaemia.