Anthropometrical Aspects and Nutritional Status of Minority Children (6–10 Years) of Purba Medinipur District, West Bengal, India

Abstract

Introduction: Nutritional status during childhood plays a crucial role in physical growth, cognitive development, and overall health. In India, despite the implementation of large-scale school feeding programmes such as the Mid-Day Meal Scheme (MDMS), undernutrition among primary school children remains a public health concern, particularly in rural and socio-economically vulnerable populations. The present study aimed to assess the socio-demographic characteristics and nutritional status of primary school children aged 6–10 years in Nandigram-I Block of Purba Medinipur District, West Bengal, and to examine age- and sex-specific variations in anthropometric indicators. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 275 children (120 boys and 155 girls) selected from four government-aided primary schools. Socio-demographic information was collected using a structured schedule. Anthropometric measurements with height, weight and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) were recorded following standard techniques. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS (version 16.0), and parametric tests were applied after confirming normality. Results: Females constituted a higher proportion of the study population (56.4%). Most children belonged to households with agricultural or daily wage occupations and low to moderate levels of paternal education. Anthropometric results showed a progressive increase in height, weight, and MUAC with age up to nine years in both sexes. Sex-wise differences were minimal, with boys exhibiting slightly higher mean body weight and BMI in most age groups, while girls showed comparable height and MUAC values. BMI values remained relatively stable across age groups, indicating borderline nutritional adequacy. Interpretation of findings for 10-year-old children was limited due to small sample size. Conclusion: The study highlights modest growth patterns and persistent nutritional vulnerabilities among rural primary school children. While the Mid-Day Meal Scheme appears to support basic nutritional needs, continued monitoring and strengthening of school-based nutritional interventions are necessary to ensure optimal child growth and development.