Comparative study on anthropometric and nutritional status of high and low socio-economic groups of preschool children

To assess the anthropometric and nutritional status, to compared the relationship between socioeconomic statuses (SES) of preschool children (4-5 years) of West Bengal. A cross sectional survey was carried out among 200 preschool children in Paschim Medinipur district. Anthropometric measurement like height, weight, mid arm circumference, chest circumference and head circumference and following anthropometric indicator like Gomez classification and Water low’s classification were measured of preschool children. Dietary nutritional status was assessed following standard method. From this present study, it has been found that the weights of the boys and girls of high socio-economic status are significantly higher than the weights of boys and girls of low socio-economic status but height is remain unaltered between two groups. The results found that mid-arm circumference and chest circumference are significantly varied among boys and head circumference is also significantly differ among girls belonging to high and low socioeconomic status of preschool children. On the other hand, the Gomez classification and Water lows classification are significantly lower in both boys and girls belonging to low socioeconomic groups. The results reveal that preschool children belonging to high socioeconomic status consumed significantly higher amount of dietary nutrient compared to low socioeconomic status. The present study shows that nutrient intakes were lower among preschool children with low socioeconomic status in both sexes. Thus, mean anthropometric characteristics was lower in this group. Consequently, much more emphasis is needed to be given to increase the nutrient of their diets especially among preschool children belonging to low socioeconomic groups.