Food Science Research Journal

Sushma Tripathi ¹, Vijay Lakshmi ¹, Archana Chakravarty ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Home Science (Food and Nutrition), Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi (U.P.), IN

Abstract

Malnutrition is widely recognized as a major health problem in developing countries. Growing children in particular are most vulnerable to its consequences. Cases with mild-to-moderate malnutrition are likely to remain unrecognized because clinical criteria for their diagnosis are imprecise and are difficult to interpret accurately. Malnutrition are one of the largest public health problems of our country. It is a condition which arises due to the deficiency of protein and calorie in the diet. Although it affects all ages, the results are drastic in childhood due to the highest requirements in that period. Malnutrition limits development and the capacity to learn. It also costs lives: about 50 per cent of all childhood deaths are attributed to malnutrition. In India, around 46 per cent of all children below the age of three are too small for their age, 47 per cent are underweight and at least 16 per cent are wasted. Many of these children are severely malnourished. The present study was carried out on 200 school going children in selected area of Varanasi by cluster and purposive random sampling method. Maximum children were belong to age group 10 to 15 years. Measurements were taken by standard techniques (Jelliffee, 1968). Pre-tested and pre-designed questionnaire was used in the survey. The present study is undertaken to evaluate the food consumption pattern of children and its relation with their BMI. Out of which 92.5 per cent were underweight and 7.5 per cent were normal. The daily food intakes of school going children were lower than RDA. The data revealed that wheat, pulses, rice and vegetables are consumed daily and on the other hand fruits, milk and milk product, oil and fats, sugar and jaggery are less consumed. Therefore, the method of preparation of some recipes are suggested for malnourished children. These recipes were evaluated by numerical scoring test and their nutritive value was determined by standard methods.

Keywords

Nutritional Status, Food Consumption Pattern, Body Mass Index.

Full Text

     

Vijay Lakshmi ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Home Science, M.M.M. College, Veer Kuwar Singh University, Ara (Bihar), IN

Abstract

Breast feeding practice is almost universal and one of the important aspects of living beings. Breast feeding is not only good for infant’s health but also very important to mother’s health. There is world wide promotional campaign regarding the breast feeding and its health impact. However, despite of it’s several health benefits in support of breast feeding, its prevalence has been remained low worldwide. This lack of negligence is mainly due to lack of understanding of mothers to exclusive breast feeding (EBF). It is also evident that, this lack of EBF is prevalent mainly in developing countries like India. Hence, the objective of this study was to examine the knowledge and attitude towards breast feeding and among Indian postnatal mothers. This study was conducted in urban areas of Patna district, Bihar, India. The mother nourishing children between 0-2 years of age selected. Breast feeding knowledge of mothers was examined by giving printed questionnaire containing different types of structured question regarding their current knowledge on breast feeding. The number of selected mothers (n=100) of same age group were evaluated and observed that 100 per cent were knowing that mother’s milk is the best food for the children. Only 57 per cent of mothers were having knowledge that the breast feeding should be started within half an hour of child birth and 92 per cent were having knowledge of exclusive breast feeding should be given upto 6 months. Hence, this study shows that in spite of having basic knowledge regarding EBS, lack of adherence to EBS is the main cause of such lower percentage of BES practice. Although, lack of knowledge regarding EBS is also among the limiting factor for low EBS rates in Patna, India and extensive campaign for the uplifment of knowledge and practices are required. This study showed a lack of understanding of the importance of breast feeding and poor adherence to exclusive breast feeding for the first 6 months of baby’s life. A lot of gap is present between literate and illiterate mothers in breast feeding practices, which need to be changed.

Keywords

Breastfeeding, Children, Nutrition, Childhood, Health.

Full Text