Introduction Aims and Objectives of the study Methodology Observations Conclusions Recommendation

India is home to over 65 million children under five children who have protein energy malnutrition (PEM). National Family Health Survey (NFHS-2 and 3) and India nutrition profile data indicate that nearly 50% of children below 5 years of age in India have PEM of various grades. Higher proportions of rural children are suffering from (PEM) as compared to urban areas. Malnourished children tend not to reach their potential, physically or mentally, and they do worse at school than they otherwise would. This has a direct impact on productivity.

An inadequate intake of food (food gap) both in quantity and quality. Infections like diarrhoea, respiratory infections, measles and intestinal worms which increase requirements for calories, proteins and other nutrients, while decreasing their absorption and utilisation. Social factors poor environmental conditions, large family size, poor maternal health related to child rearing and feeding such as the use of diluted cows milk and bottle feeding.

 To

assess the degree of malnutrition among the under five children in the community. To study the social factors associated with malnutrition, such as family size, family income, education and occupation of parents, etc. Efforts towards assessing and addressing nutrition, malnutrition, and diet-related problems.

The study area is a slum colony in North-East Mumbai, which is situated in close proximity to the garbage dumping area. The population of the community consists of both migrants and non-migrants, and is predominantly Muslim. Majority of the fathers of the children studied are engaged in non-skilled labour. The children are also more prone to repeated infections because of the poor environmental conditions. The area has a few NGOs working in the field of maternal and child health, as well as private medical practitioners.

Sample of 100 under five years of children. Purpose of the study were informed to parents. Interviewed through questionnaire consists of information about age, sex, occupation of parents, religion, family size, birth order of the child, dietary intake of child. The children were then weighed and their height and mid-arm circumference were measured. The weights were plotted on the growth curve to assess the degree of malnutrition.

External Environment:
Housing

Ventilation
Water Toilets Garbage Disposal Open Gutters Surrounding Areas

Low socio- economic conditions. Poor Environmental conditions. Large family size. Lack of knowledge about nutrition. Illiteracy of parents of children. Uncertain employment. Government schemes.

Conducting outreach camps. Conducting health education sessions. Nutritional Education and Demonstration. NGO Networking.