Anthropometric characteristics and nutritional status of Bauri pre-school children of Nituria Block, Purulia, West Bengal.

Preschool children are in the developmental stage (functional) of life any impairment in their growth can reduce physical, mental and intellectual potential. This study assesses the prevalence of undernutrition among 2-6 year old pre-school children of Bauri caste of Nituria Block, Purulia, West Bengal, India. The cross sectional study was conducted in five different villages of Nituria Block of Purulia district. A total of 219 pre-school children aged 2-6 years were randomly selected and measured from each village. Anthropometric measurements such as height and weight were made following standard techniques. The body mass index (BMI) was computed following standard techniques and equation, respectively. The new international classification cut-off points provided by scientists were utilized to identify undernutrition. The overall (age-combined) mean BMI among boys and girls were 14.22 kg/m (sd = 1.5) and 13.67 kg/m (sd = 1.3), respectively. Mean BMI decreased from 2 to 5 years in boys. Mean BMI increased from 2 to 4 years and then decreased in 5 & 6 years in girls. The overall (age-combined) prevalence of thinness among boys and girls was 61.5% and 70.8%, respectively. The root of nutritional bias in terms of food intake starts at early stages of life, perhaps from early childhood. The present study clearly indicated that the nutritional situation of these children was serious.