ABSTRACT
Background: Anganwadi centres (AWCs) remain hub for promoting nutrition in children. For an effective functioning of programs, Anganwadi workers (AWWs) need to have a sound knowledge and perception regarding under-nutrition. A qualitative study (Focus Group Discussion) was conducted with aim to assess perceptions and knowledge of AWWs regarding under-nutrition in 6 domains like about term under-nutrition in children, its causes, identification of it, its community management, advices to be given to parents and knowledge of program related to under-nutrition in their locality.Methods: 2 Focus group discussions (each consisted of 12 members and took around 40-45 minutes) were conducted in December 2018 among AWWs of Berhampur through purposive sampling. One author played role of facilitator who carried out discussions, another acted as recorder who took notes and sociograms were recorded by another author. Audio-visual recordings were done. Data were analysed and a report was created based on grounded theory.Results: Participants had fair knowledge of term under-nutrition. They had good knowledge of causes of under-nutrition in children and knew how to identify. But none of them had proper knowledge of community management of malnutrition (CMAM) in children. Though most of them have knowledge of screening of malnourished children and referral to Nutritional rehabilitation centre, they were unaware of other key components of CMAM. Many AWWs didn’t know much about programs for combating malnutrition; however they were well acquainted with ICDS and VHND.Conclusions: Quality training programs and more sensitisation should be done for Anganwadi workers. Specific training on CMAM should be carried out for them.
ABSTRACT
Background: Overweight and obesity are the precursor of most of the non communicable diseases. Body mass index is an important indicator to measure obesity. Though medicos have the requisite knowledge on the morbidities associated with overweight and obesity, they are not in an advantageous position as compared with the common man due their life style.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 372 undergraduate students attending the classes at Department of Community Medicine, MKCG Medical college, Berhampur, Odisha. BMI of the students was measured, and socio-demographic characteristics and other risk factors were assessed during the study with the help of a semi structured, pretested questionnaire.Results: Out of 372 students, 67.7% were males. Mean BMI of the students was 23.68 ranging from 14.96 to 43.70. The overall prevalence of obesity and overweight was 4.8% and 24.2% respectively. Overweight and obesity were significantly (p<0.05) associated with age, family history of obesity, place of residence, frequent fast food consumption. However other variables like use of electronic gadgets and vehicles, place of food consumption didn’t show any significant association.Conclusions: Medical students being the future physicians, greater emphasis should be laid among them in terms of prevention of obesity and overweight and on reinforcing all preventive measures like physical activities, correct diet, and maintenance of correct BMI. This will in the long run help in enhancement of control of many non-communicable diseases which are associated with overweight and obesity.