INFLUENCE OF HOME ENVIRONMENT ON URBAN AND RURAL INFANTS PHYSICAL GROWTH STATUS

The influence of home environment on infant developmental outcomes was studied on a total sample of 40 mothers of infants (birth to two years) each from rural & urban area. The sample was recruited through well baby clinics in urban areas and by door to door survey in the rural area. Home observation for measurement of the environment (HOME) using the inventory developed by Caldwell and Bradley (1984), Nutritional anthropometry, Agarwal's (2005) Socio-economic status scale were the tools employed. Chi-square and ’t’ test was used for the analysis of the data. The results revealed that the mean score of home environment was significantly higher among urban infants than the rural infants. Urban infant's nutritional status was better compared to rural infants. Child's age, ordinal position affected the home environment. Infants from better home environment had better developmental outcomes than those from poor home environment.