RESUMEN
Background: The two major deficiency syndromes affecting the preschool children in developing countries are protein energy malnutrition and nutritional anemia. Both these conditions have considerable impact on child’s physical and mental development. The objective of the study is to study and compare the prevalence of anemia among children in ICDS and non ICDS areas. Methods: A cross – sectional study with comparison group was carried out in urban slums of Nagpur city in the ICDS and Non-ICDS areas. In all 115 children were examined from each area and the prevalence of anaemia was estimated in both the areas separately. Results: prevalence of anaemia among 0-6 years children in ICDS and Non- ICDS areas was 47.9% (44.1% in male and 51% in female) and 56.1% (47.8% in male and 63.7% in female) respectively. Majority of the anaemia male children were having moderate grade of anaemia in both the groups i.e. 24.4% in ICDS and 29.9% in Non-ICDS area. Cases of severe grade of anaemia were seen in 1-3 years children in ICDS whereas in Non- ICDS group they were from 1-4 years age group. Majority of the anaemia female children were having moderate anaemia in both the groups (30.7% and 45.2%). Conclusion: Prevalence of anemia was found as in ICDS area was 47.9% compared to 56.1% in the non ICDS area. Statistically this difference was not significant. Infants showed least prevalence of anemia in both the groups.