Abstract:
Background: Physical and Biological Anthropology is the study of scientific exploration of the relationships between human body and culture. The growth of children is influenced by bio- logical and/or socio-economic and environmental factors. Most of the abnormal growth is caused by factors like nutritional deficiencies, parasitic infections, and psychosocial illnesses. In India, these factors are causing improper growth and under development among millions of children which are undesirable and most alarming.
Aim: The main objective of this study is to assess the physical growth and nutrition status of school going children aged between 6 to 9 years of Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal.
Sample size: The total sample was 302 children (145 Male and 157 Female) aged between 6 to 9 years were include in this study.
Methodology: A cross- sectional study was conducted. Data were collected using schedule, interview and observation method. Also, anthropomorphic measurements height, weight, MUAC, head circumference of the children was collected using standard techniques.
Result: The present study shows severe presence of stunting, underweight and thinness among the school going boys and girls. In boys the prevalence of stunting is 76.6%; among the girls it is 75.1%. Percentage of boys in the category of underweight is 80.0% and girls 76.6%. And the prevalence of thinness among boys is 52.5% and girls 50.3%.
Conclusion: The factors influencing nutritional status such as family socio-economic conditions, fathers’ occupation and mothers’ occupation in determining the nutritional status of school going children. The economic status of the parents must be improved. Parents and state government should be more aware about the nutritive values of locally available foods so that the children can get sufficient amount of nutrition.
