Vol. 11, Special Issue 2 (2022)

Author(s):
Ranjita Mahapatra, Dr. Diptimayee Jena, Dr. Snehalata Nanda, Sumitra Chhotaray and Dr. Amarendra Mohapatra

Abstract:
The objective of the study was to assess the nutritional status of 7-12 years school going children and to determine the nutrient intake of children in comparison with RDA. A total of 120 school going children were selected from one Govt. and two private schools of Bhubaneswar city, Odisha. Data on dietary intake was collected by using 24 hours recall method. Heights and weights were measured. From the study it was found that the prevalence of thinness was 58.33% in Govt. school children whereas 28.33% of private school children were overweight and 11.67% were obese. The school going children of Govt. school were found to be stunted 6.67%. Consumption of all the nutrients by Govt. school children was deficit from the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) but in case of private school children, consumption of all the nutrients was excess from the Recommended Dietary Allowances except vitamin-A. The consumption of costly food items such as egg, fish, meat, milk and milk products, fruits and nuts were more by Govt. school children as compared to private school children. It is concluded that poor anthropometric indices, undernutrition in Govt. school children may be due to lower intake of food and nutrients than recommended. In general, negligible consumption of green leafy vegetables and minimal consumption of other vegetables and fruits due to which their diet deficient in vitamin-A were observed in the children of both schools.