Extent, Spectrum and Interlinkages of Anthropometric indices and Physical Development Delay among Rural Children (0-3 years): A Community based study from North India

Abstract

Introduction: Optimum nutritional wellbeing and physical development of young children are major concern particularly in rural areas. Objective: To assess nutritional status and physical development of subjects and its associates. Methods: This community based cross sectional study was conducted on 155 rural children (0-3 years) selected through multistage sampling procedure. Anthropometric indices and attainment of physical developmental of 155 children were assessed following standard techniques. Results: In all 56.1% were undernourished. Grade 3^rd and 4^thPEM prevailed in 4.5% and 2.5% subjects, respectively, on nutritional scale using weight for age as parameter and IAP classification; Out of 149 subjects 15.4% had delayed physical development. There existed significant association between age and physical development of the children (p<0.05). Conclusion: The nutritional status of children is not up to the mark. Nearly 3 out of 20 subjects had delayed physical development. No consistent pattern was observed between nutritional status and physical development.