Publication:

Poshan Sanjha Chulah approach: impact on nutrition status of children aged 6-59 months in urban slum of Bhopal city

Background The National Family Health Survey-5 reveals the prevalence of stunting 35.5%, underweight 32.1%, and wasting 19.3% among under 5 children. Madhya Pradesh reported stunting, underweight, and wasting 37.5%, 33%, and 19% respectively which is higher than national average.

Methods A community based approach “Poshan Sanjha Chulah (PSC)” was introduced to address underweight among the children of Bhopal Urban slums, Madhya Pradesh. PSC programme aimed at achieving weight gain by 400 gm in a month and 900 gm by the end of 3rd month. Additional energy 600-800 kcal, protein 25-27 gm, and iron-10 mg and other nutrients were provided during this programme. The counselling visits were made to children in every 15 days until 3 months followed by monthly visits until 12 months by community health workers.

Results The PSC Programme was implemented in the communities with the prevalence of underweight children more than 30 percent. This study was conducted on 224 children which includes 39 (7.5%) severe underweight and 185 (35.5%) moderate underweight children. At the end of the PSC programme the mean weight gain was 328 gm for all children. In a period of 6 months, the boys and girls gained mean weight of 2325 gm and 2225 gm respectively. The highest weight gain was observed in the age group of 13-24 months on the 12th day. At the end of 6th month 164 children (73.2%) graduated to normal nutrition category (≥-2 SD).

Conclusions Underweight has become a major concern of public health particularly in developing countries. Prevalence of underweight not only indicates the poor nutritional status of children but also reflects the poor socio-economic condition of the families.