Nutritional Status of Children Residing In Social Welfare Hostel in Bangalore City.

Background: Health Care needs of children residing in Social Welfare Hostels is of utmost importance as they are in need of optimum health and nutrition care. Methodology: Study Setting: Social Welfare Hostel. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Study Duration: June to September 2013. Study subjects: Children( 7-14yrs of age) residing in the Social Welfare Hostel. Sample Size: A total of 200 children were residing in the hostel and hence the complete enumeration of them were considered for the study (purposive Sampling). Study variables: Socio-Demographic profile, measurement of height, weight, estimation of Hemoglobin percentage by Sahli’s method and clinical examination. Every child was examined physically from head to toe to assess their nutritional deficiencies. Enquiry was made about the health problems and occurrence of any ailment during previous two weeks. Data Collection: Using Semi- structured questionnaire, interview method. Data analysis: SPSS V 20. Results: Out of 200 subjects, 47(35.07%) of the study population were underweight, 71 (35.50%) had stunting and 38 (19%) had wasting. Prevalence of anemia was 47.5%. The common conditions observed were Flurosis (45.5%), skin problems (42.5%), dental caries (31.5%) and Cheilosis (24.5%). Conclu-sion: The nutritional status of children in social welfare hostels are not satisfactory. Periodic Health check up for the children residing in Social Welfare Hostels must be emphasized.