Determinants of nutrition status of rural preschool children in Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

A longitudinal study was conducted in four villages in the Medak district of Andhra Pradesh. Two child-related factors, number of diarrhoeal episodes and calorie adequacy of diet, showed a highly significant effect on a child's current as well as past nutrition status. The results of this study indicate a strong influence of socio-economic status and parental care on the control of infectious diseases and food intake, which are the two major causes for malnutrition among children in developing countries. -from Authors