NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF ANGANWADI CHILDREN OF MATIGARA BLOCK OF DARJEELING DISTRICT OF WEST BENGAL

A cross sectional study was undertaken in Matigara block of Darjeeling district in West Bengal to find out the nutritional status of the Anganwadi children of the block and socio demographic profile of the parents. Amongst 314 Anganwadi centres, 5 centres was selected randomly. Anthropometric measurements (weight. height and mid upper arm circumference) of 215 Anganwadi children both boys and girls between age group of 1-6years were carried out. Mid upper arm circumference was taken between 1-5 years of age group. Out of 215 children 10.23% children were moderately and 2.79% were severely malnourished. 3.48% boys were severely malnourished and 2% girls were severely malnourished. Severe wasting was more common in the boys. The maximum educational qualification of the parents of the children were above primary to below higher secondary and occupations were either labourer or housewife. The average income level of the family was moderate.