INFLUENCE OF DIET ON THE BODY COMPOSITION OF CHILDREN WITH PEM IN UKHRUL DISTRICT, MANIPUR

Malnutrition in early childhood is always childhood is always the result of numerous factors, and preventive programs have to be individualized. The present study was undertaken to determine the risk factors and intervening factors prevalent that predispose children (4-6years) of age to protein energy malnutrition children of Ukhrul district Manipur. Interview schedule was used to elicit information regarding the demographic profile, socio-economic status, and dietary habits of the children. Anthropometric measurements were recorded and clinical examination was conducted to assess the presence of symptoms protein energy malnutrition. The dietary intake of 100 malnourished children was recorded using the three-day dietary intake, and nutrient intake was calculated. Majority of the undernourished children had typical clinical signs of malnutrition, such as dry and lusterless hair while very few percentages of undernourished children had pale conjunctiva. The mean nutrient intake of the children of all nutrients was less when compared to Recommended Dietary allowance and the decrease is significant at 1% level. Nutrition education program was conducted for the mothers of the children; there was an improvement in the knowledge and awareness of the parents after the nutrition program and this was statistically significant at 1 percent level of significance. It is necessary to educate the mothers of these children on the quantity and quality of food to be given and emphasize the importance of hygiene and sanitation.