IMPACT OF NUTRITION EDUCATION PROGRAMME ON NUTRITIONAL STATUS AMONG ANGANWADI WORKERS AND PARENTS OF UNDER-FIVE CHILDREN OF KOLAR DISTRICT

Abstract

Background The first five years of child’s life is the foundation of physical and mental growth and development. Malnutrition among under-five children remains a major public health concern in India and also major cause of increased mortality and morbidity among these age group children. Anganwadi workers and Parents play a vital role in improving the nutritional status of young children. However, inadequate knowledge regarding balanced diet, infant and young child feeding practices, and nutritionrelated care can negatively affect child health outcomes. Nutrition education is an effective strategy to enhance knowledge and promote healthy practices. Methods A quasi experimental approach with one group pre test and post test design was adopted and by using convienent sampling technicque 30 anganawadi workers 30 parents of under five children and 30 under five childern were selected from anganwadi centers of Kolar District. Data was collected using a structured knowldge questionnaire. Nutritional status of underfive children was assessed using anthropometric measurements. Nutrition education was administered by using A.V.aids to the anganawadi workers and parents of underfive children and after 10 days a post test was conducted using same questionnaire.Data was analysed using mean and standard deviation, paired t-test and Chi-square test.