ASSESSMENT OF HEALTH AND NUTRITIONAL STATUS IN CHILDREN OF AGE 2- 8 YEARS IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND ANGANWADI CENTERS IN ATHMAKUR VILLAGE, GUNTUR DISTRICT- A CROSS SECTIONAL OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Introduction: Malnutrition is a nutritional disorder which occurs due to the imbalance of nutrients. This has become a major concern in developing countries like India. Early detection of malnutrition helps in prevention of mortality of children.

Methodlogy: The purpose of this study was to determine whether children are aware of their nutritional condition among the age groups of2- 8 years studying in Nirmala Institutions and government schools in Atmakur village, Mangalagiri, Guntur district, India. A questionnaire was given to the parents. Z test is used to categorize the students. 607 students were enrolled for this study and correlation is used to get the r value.

Results: Of all children taken for the study of prevalence of malnutrition, 607 children of either gender were included. Out of 607 children (54.36%) are male and (45.63%) are female students. Out of which 26.52% are at 3-4 years, 27.18% children are at 4-5 years, 10.21% children are at 5-6 years,25.04% are at 6-7 years, 11.03% children are at 7-8 years of age.

Conclusion:Malnutrition has a significant negative impact on a childs physical and mental development. In India, malnutrition is the primary cause of death among children. Early diagnosis of acute malnutrition with MUAC tape can be beneficial in children aged 6-59 months, although MUAC could only identify a small number of children as undernourished when compared to the W/H index.