Growth Status of Male Children in Rural Haryana

The present cross-sectional study was conducted in different agro-climatic zones of Haryana. A total of 1509 male children distributed over the fifteen yearly age groups served as sample. More than hundred children at each age level were selected randomly from schools in the rural area. Socio-economic and personal background of the respondents was collected through an interview schedule. Growth status was measured through body weight, which were further compared with NCHS and ICMR norms. Nutritional status of respondents was assessed through Gomez classification. The results revealed that rural areas are even now untouched by the benefits of educational policies. A shift was observed to nuclear and medium size families from joint and large families. Agriculture is still the predominant sector of livelihood. Further it was found that a total of 40.83 kg of weight was gained from 6-20 years of age with maximum velocity of gain of 6.03 kg at 17 years of age. When compared with NCHS norms, it was found that males lagged behind their counterparts at all the age levels from 6-18 years of age. Similarly Haryana males were found to be lagging behind their counterparts when compared with the ones at ICMR at all the age cohorts from 6-20 yrs. Maximum deviation in weight was found at 14 yrs. with minimum at 19 yrs. of age. The results of nutritional status pinpointed that the period of childhood years need more care and attention

Agriculture · Geography · Lagging · Livelihood · Population · Rural area · Socioeconomic status · Weight for Age · Child Nutrition and Water Access · Demography · Medicine · Poverty, Education, and Child Welfare