ASSESSMENT OF NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND FEEDING PRACTICES OF UNDER-FIVE CHILDREN IN AN URBAN AREA OF KANCHEEPURAM DISTRICT, TAMILNADU

Abstract

The main aim of the present study is to assess the nutritional status and feeding practices of under- five children in an urban area of Kancheepuram district in Tamil Nadu. To assess the nutritional status of under - five children and its influencing factors. Further study the feeding practices of under -five children and its influencing factors. Children whose mother was not willing to particip ate in the study; children who were not able to be contacted even after 2 visits and children with severe illnesses were excluded from the study. A positive association was found between history of acute diarrhea disease in the children  in  the  past  one year and development of stunting It is interesting to note that, in the present study, lower socio - economic status and early initiation of breastfeeding were associated with exclusive breastfeeding.