Publication:

A case study on the relationships between the dietary patterns and the nutritional status of school children in Galkadapathana village in Sri Lanka

Background Nutritional status is an important indicator in measuring the quality of life of children. Galkadapthana is a rural agricultural village in the Nuwara Eliya district, Sri Lanka. Villagers confront difficulties regarding their nutritional status due to low income, inadequate education and poor infrastructure facilities. This study was undertaken to identify the relationships between the nutritional status of school children in Galakadapathana village and their dietary patterns.

Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out using a deductive approach. A total of 85 households with 137 school children aged 6-18 years were randomly selected. Data was collected using structured surveys and conducting face-to-face interviews. The nutritional status of children was assessed through anthropometric measurements.

Results A severely stunted condition was observed in 5.8% of children, while 7.3% represent severely underweight conditions according to the WHO growth references, 2007. The maximum number of 6 was scored in the Individual Dietary Diversity Score (IDDS) by 24.8% of the population. The maximum number of 7 in the Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) was scored by 21.2% of the population. There was no significant (P>0.05) relationship between the BMI-for-age status and the aggregate level of education of the breadwinner, birthweight of the child, IDDS, and HDDS. However, the amount of starchy food intake significantly (P<0.05) impacted the BMI-for-age status.

Conclusions The amount of starchy food intake showed a significant impact on the prevalence of wasting (P<0.05), but not the aggregate level of education of the breadwinner, birthweight of the child and dietary diversity.