Evaluation of nutritional status of children aged 5-14 years in rural areas of Kanpur

Background: Despite India's 50% increase in GDP since 1991, more than one third of the world's malnourished children live in India. The prevalence of underweight children in India is among the highest in the world. In this endeavor, we have under-taken empirical research to evaluate the nutritional status of children aged 5-14 years and to improve nutritional status of children living in rural areas of Kanpur.Methods: This is a cross sectional study conducted amongst children aged 5-14 years in rural area of Kanpur. Children were examined clinically and height and weight were measured following standard procedures. MS Excel and Interactive statistics page were used for analysis of data.Results: Mean age of subjects (in years) was 10.09±2.57 and 9.43±2.42 of males and females respectively. Prevalence of underweight was 39.4%; underweight female (41.1%) and males (38.1%). Prevalence of stunting was 27.8%; girls 36.8% and males 20.3%. Thinness (BMI for age/sex <-2SD) was found in 26.6% of children. The prevalence of pallor was found in 27.5% subjects with Thinness. This association was found statistically significant (X2=6.250, p=0.001). Dental carries was found in 49 (13.61%) but in subjects with BMI < -2SD (thinness), 23 out of 92 had dental carries. This association was found statistically significant (X2=13.632, p=0.001).Conclusions: The problem of underweight is still high in rural areas. Total 27.8% children were stunted showing chronic malnutrition. This needs to be tackled through adequate nutrition and health education. Nearly 40 percent of the children were under-weight; an acute condition if not corrected at earlier stage may progress to severe form of malnutrition.

An active surveillance of anaemia among pregnant women and its association with obstetric history and sanitation in urban areas of Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh

Background: Anaemia is still one of the challenging issues in India in spite of various ongoing nutritional programmes. Very few data have been observed from the state Uttar Pradesh especially from urban areas regarding the status of anaemia during pregnancy. Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women and its association with the various socio-demographic determinants in urban areas of Kanpur.Methods: Cross-sectional study having total participants of 207 pregnant women were selected by simple random sampling method and interviewed by pretested questionnaire followed by testing haemoglobin level in blood through Sahli’s haemoglobinometer and collected data were analysed using SPSS Version 21.0 and Microsoft Excel 2007.Results: Out of 207 pregnant women 163 were estimated as anaemic.Conclusions: A high prevalence of anaemia was observed which is 78.7%. Adolescent age group, lack of sanitation and worm infestations were detected significant parameters contributing anaemia.

Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity and Its Possible Associations Among School Adolescents in Urban Kanpur

Background: Obesity is becoming a worldwide problem affecting all levels of society and is thus being described as a global epidemic. the highest rates of childhood obesity have been observed in the developed countries, its prevalence is increasing in the developing countries also. 50-80% of obese children will continue as obese adults. Aims and Objective: To study prevalence and possible associations of obesity and overweight among school adolescents in urban Kanpur. Methods: A cross-sectional study done among 468 children from 7-10 class. Complete data of each child were collected using a pre-designed, pre-tested questionnaire. Measurement of height & weight will be done using standard procedure with measuring tape (made of non-stretchable steel) & electronic weighing machine respectively. Body mass index(BMI) will be calculated using the formula: WEIGHT (in kg)/HEIGHT (in m sq.) Sex & age specific percentile cut-points (85th percentile for overweight & 95th percentile for obesity) of a reference population according to BMI for Age Classification by CDC will be used. Data will be entered in Microsoft Excel & will be analysed using SPSS software.  Results: Prevalence of overweight was 13.6% while prevalence of obesity was 2.9%. Overweight and Obesity was found significantly higher in Children of 5-10 years’ age group, with family H/O obesity, not playing outdoor games, not doing regular exercise, watching TV, Computer more than 2 hours daily and consuming junk food regularly. Conclusions: Periodic screening for overweight and obesity should be done in schools followed by counselling of parents of overweight and obese children. Counselling of adolescent children on lifestyle modification should be emphasized.