Anthropometric Assessment Of Nutritional Status Of Preschool Children In The Hanji Community Of Dal Lake, Srinagar (Jammu And Kashmir)

Abstract

Preschool years (2–6 years) are critical for physical growth and cognitive development, and adequate nutrition during this period is essential for long-term health. Malnutrition remains a persistent public health concern in India, with marginalized communities particularly at risk. The Hanji community of Dal Lake, Srinagar, is a water-bound population with limited access to health and nutrition services, making preschool children highly vulnerable to undernutrition.

Objective: To assess the anthropometric status and prevalence of underweight, stunting, and wasting among preschool children (2–6 years) in the Hanji community of Dal Lake, Srinagar, and to identify gender differences in nutritional outcomes.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 preschool children using a structured questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements—weight, height, and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC)—were collected following WHO standard procedures. Nutritional indices (weight-for-age Z-score [WAZ], height-for-age Z-score [HAZ], weight-for-height Z-score [WHZ], and BMI-for-age Z-score [BMIZ]) were calculated. Data were analyzed using SPSS, and differences by age and gender were assessed using t-tests, ANOVA, and chi-square tests.

Results: Mean body weight, height, and MUAC increased significantly with age (p < 0.001), reflecting normal growth patterns. However, z-scores indicated persistent mild undernutrition across all age groups. Boys had significantly higher weight and MUAC than girls, while height and z-scores showed no significant gender differences. Overall, 31.8% of children were underweight (boys 25.0%, girls 38.0%), 29.5% were stunted, and 20.1% were wasted, with no significant sex differences for stunting or wasting. MUAC-based malnutrition was observed in 14.0% of children, with comparable prevalence in boys and girls.

Conclusion: Malnutrition, both chronic and acute, is prevalent among preschool children of the Hanji community, with female children showing greater vulnerability to underweight. Targeted interventions, including supplementary feeding, nutrition education, and routine anthropometric monitoring, are recommended to improve the nutritional status of this marginalized population.